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Dextrorphan and dextromethorphan: comparative antitussive effects on guinea pigs
P C Braga1, A Fossati, M G Vimercati
1Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Milan, Italy.
Drugs Under Experimental and Clinical Research
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Dextrorphan, a metabolite of dextromethorphan, effectively suppresses coughs in guinea pigs. This cough suppressant activity is comparable to dextromethorphan but without the toxicity observed at higher doses.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Dextromethorphan is extensively metabolized to dextrorphan in the body.
- Understanding the pharmacological profile of dextromethorphan's active metabolite is crucial for its clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the cough-suppressing efficacy and safety of dextrorphan versus dextromethorphan.
- To evaluate dextrorphan's dose-response relationship in a citric acid-induced cough model.
Main Methods:
- Administration of varying doses of dextrorphan (6-48 mg/kg, i.p.) and dextromethorphan to unanaesthetized guinea pigs.
- Assessment of antitussive activity using a citric acid-induced cough model.
- Observation for any toxic effects at tested dosages.
Main Results:
- Dextrorphan demonstrated a significant dose-dependent reduction in citric acid-induced cough.
- The antitussive effect of dextrorphan was comparable to that of dextromethorphan.
- Dextromethorphan exhibited toxicity at 48 mg/kg, while dextrorphan did not.
Conclusions:
- Dextrorphan possesses significant antitussive properties comparable to dextromethorphan.
- Dextrorphan offers a potentially safer alternative to dextromethorphan due to its lack of toxicity at tested doses.
- Clinical investigation of dextrorphan as an antitussive agent is warranted.