Evaluation of a New Antitussive Agent

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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 . . .