deudextromethorphan

Deudextromethorphan is a deuterated analog of dextromethorphan, designed to have similar pharmacological effects but with altered metabolic properties due to the substitution of hydrogen atoms with deuterium. Like dextromethorphan, it acts primarily as an antitussive (cough suppressant) and has additional activity as a noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, sigma-1 receptor agonist, and serotonin reuptake inhibitor. The incorporation of deuterium is intended to slow its metabolism by cytochrome P450 enzymes (notably CYP2D6), potentially resulting in more stable plasma concentrations and reduced formation of active metabolites such as dextrorphan. This modification may improve tolerability or efficacy for certain indications compared to non-deuterated forms. Deudextromethorphan has been investigated for neuropsychiatric conditions including major depressive disorder and neurodegenerative diseases.

Other names

deudextromethorphan HBr