Evaluation of a New Antitussive Agent

Abstract

DEXTRO-3-methoxy-N-methylmorphinan§ hydrobromide (dextromethorphan hydrobromide) is an experimental drug that has shown cough-inhibiting properties in animals, but the degree of this effect in human beings was not known. Therefore, a study was undertaken to determine the antitussive effect of this substance clinically.The merits of another compound of the morphinan series, racemic-3-hydroxy-N-methylmorphinan hydrobromide, as a potent analgesic agent are well known.^{1 2 3 4 5 6} After the resolution of the racemate into its optically active isomers by Schnider and Grüssner,⁷ pharmacologic studies by Randall and Lehmann,⁸ Fromherz⁹ and Benson et al.¹⁰ showed that the analgesic action of racemorphan resides in its levorotatory component. Similarly, Isbell . . .