Dextromethorphan Toxicity

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Citation

Journey JD, Agrawal S, Stern E

Dextromethorphan Toxicity

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PubMed ID
30860737 [ View in PubMed
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Abstract

Dextromethorphan is a drug used in many over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for its antitussive effects.[1] It comes in oral strips, lozenges, liquids or liquid-filled capsules and formulations often combine it with guaifenesin, acetaminophen, and pseudoephedrine.[1] Dextromethorphan is also a commonly abused drug because of its euphoric, hallucinogenic and dissociative properties.[2] Some street names for dextromethorphan are "Triple C," "Dex," "Orange Crush," "Red Devils" and "Poor Man's PCP."[2] Depending on the amount ingested, dextromethorphan toxicity can have a wide range of cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic and musculoskeletal adverse effects.[3] Emergency department providers should become familiar with how to manage patients with dextromethorphan toxicity since hypertension, seizures, tachycardia, psychosis, and rhabdomyolysis are several of the complications that can arise.[3]

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