Dextromethorphan and codeine: comparison of plasma kinetics and antitussive effects

Plasma kinetics of dextromethorphan (as dextrorphan ) and codeine were investigated after acute oral doses in 8 patients with pathological cough; after which the patients participated in an acute dose-response study of the antitussive effects of each drug administered as syrups. Maximum plasma codeine concentrations averaged 384 ng.ml-1 (s.d. +/- 78.3) occurring between 0.75 and 2h after ingestion of 60 mg codeine phosphate; in comparison mean peak plasma dextrorphan levels were 386 ng.ml-1 (s.d. +/- 107.2) and 388 ng.ml-1 (s.d. +/- 101.3) respectively, after administration of 60 mg dextromethorphan syrup and tablet formulations. Bioavailability of dextromethorphan tablets was comparable to syrup. No correlation emerged between instantaneous plasma concentrations of either dextrorphan or codeine and antitussive responses; however, peak antitussive effect was significantly related to log dose with both drugs. Antitussive effects of 30 mg codeine phosphate and 60 mg dextromethorphan hydrobromide did not differ significantly; both were superior to 30 mg dextromethorphan hydrobromide and placebo.