dextromethorphan
noun
dex·tro·me·thor·phan
ˌdek-strō-mi-ˈthȯr-ˌfan 
: a cough suppressant C18H25NO that is widely used especially in the form of a hydrated hydrogen bromide complex
Examples of dextromethorphan in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The researchers also tested dextromethorphan, a Sigma-receptor-targeting drug in many brands of cough syrup.
—
Carl Zimmer, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2020
For example, the cough suppressant medication dextromethorphan, found in over-the-counter medicines like Robitussin, caused false positive drug screens about 24% of the time, according to one study cited in a 2017 Mayo Clinic report.
—Anna Claire Vollers | [email protected], al, 9 Feb. 2020
Lobbying Lineup Five organizations that have lobbied on Ohio House Bill 29, which prohibits stores from selling dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant in name brands such as Robitussin or NyQuil, to people under age 18.
—Laura Hancock, cleveland, 18 Dec. 2019
For the power of meds and the calming feeling of honey, this formula is the only one that combines a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan), a cough expectorant (guaifenesin) and 19% natural grade A honey.
—Good Housekeeping Editors, Good Housekeeping, 16 Oct. 2019
Jake had just overdosed on a powerful cough medication containing dextromethorphan, which can generate euphoria and hallucinations.
—Jeanne Whalen, WSJ, 8 Mar. 2018
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Carl Zimmer, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2020
For example, the cough suppressant medication dextromethorphan, found in over-the-counter medicines like Robitussin, caused false positive drug screens about 24% of the time, according to one study cited in a 2017 Mayo Clinic report.
—Anna Claire Vollers | [email protected], al, 9 Feb. 2020
Lobbying Lineup Five organizations that have lobbied on Ohio House Bill 29, which prohibits stores from selling dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant in name brands such as Robitussin or NyQuil, to people under age 18.
—Laura Hancock, cleveland, 18 Dec. 2019
For the power of meds and the calming feeling of honey, this formula is the only one that combines a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan), a cough expectorant (guaifenesin) and 19% natural grade A honey.
—Good Housekeeping Editors, Good Housekeeping, 16 Oct. 2019
Jake had just overdosed on a powerful cough medication containing dextromethorphan, which can generate euphoria and hallucinations.
—Jeanne Whalen, WSJ, 8 Mar. 2018
Cite this Entry
“Dextromethorphan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dextromethorphan. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
dextromethorphan
noun
dex·tro·me·thor·phan
ˌdek-strō-mi-ˈthȯr-ˌfan
: a cough suppressant that is widely used especially in the form of its hydrobromide C18H25NO·HBr in over-the-counter cough and cold preparations and is a codeine analog of levorphanol lacking the analgesic properties of codeine and producing little or no depression of the central nervous system
—abbreviation DXM
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