DXM HBr (Dextromethorphan)

Product Name: DXM HBr (Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide) Synonyms: (+)-3-methoxy-17-methyl-9α,13α,14α-morphinan hydrobromide; d-methorphan hydrobromide; d-3-methoxy-N-methylmorphinan hydrobromide

DXM HBr (Dextromethorphan) General Description: Dextromethorphan (DXM) is formally described as (+)-3-methoxy-17-methyl-9α,13α,14α-morphinan. It is a synthetic molecule belonging to the morphinan class. Specifically, it is the dextrorotatory enantiomer of levomethorphan. Unlike its levorotatory counterpart, DXM lacks affinity for the μ-opioid receptor and does not produce classical opioid analgesic or respiratory depressive effects at therapeutic doses. It is widely utilized globally as an over-the-counter (OTC) centrally acting antitussive (cough suppressant). However, at supratherapeutic doses, it produces pronounced dissociative and hallucinogenic effects.

In analytical, clinical, and forensic toxicology, DXM HBr is utilized as a fundamental reference standard. It is essential for the calibration of analytical instrumentation (such as LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and HPLC) and the development of screening methodologies to identify and quantify the substance in pharmaceutical formulations, adulterated illicit street drugs, or biological matrices (e.g., whole blood, plasma, urine).

Technical Information (Hydrobromide Monohydrate):

• CAS Number: 6700-34-1 (Hydrobromide Monohydrate) / 125-69-9 (Anhydrous Hydrobromide) / 125-71-3 (Freebase)
• Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₂₅NO • HBr • H₂O
• Formula Weight: 370.3 g/mol (Monohydrate) / 271.4 g/mol (Freebase)
• SMILES: [H+].[Br-].O(C)C1=CC=C2C3C(N(C)CCC2=C1)CCCC3.O
• InChI Key: LALRXHOOWMCOQW-VPENINKCSA-N (Hydrobromide)
• Formulation: Typically supplied as a neat white crystalline powder or as a certified reference material solution (e.g., 1 mg/mL in methanol).

DXM HBr (Dextromethorphan) Biological Action: At therapeutic doses, DXM acts on the cough center in the medulla oblongata to elevate the threshold for coughing. Its complex pharmacological profile involves multiple mechanisms of action. DXM acts as a potent sigma-1 (σ1) receptor agonist and acts as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).

Upon ingestion, DXM is heavily metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP2D6 into its primary active metabolite, dextrorphan (DXO). Both DXM and DXO act as uncompetitive antagonists at the ionotropic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. At supratherapeutic doses, this profound NMDA receptor blockade heavily mediates its dissociative anesthetic-like effects, which are clinically similar to those of ketamine or PCP.

DXM HBr (Dextromethorphan) Regulatory and Safety Information:

• Intended Use: This product is intended strictly for use as an analytical reference standard for forensic, toxicological, pharmaceutical, and academic research purposes.
• Warning: Pure bulk material is harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. It is not intended for human consumption outside of approved, formulated pharmaceutical preparations.
• Legal Status: Dextromethorphan is uniquely excluded from the United States Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and is widely available as an OTC medication. However, due to its documented potential for recreational abuse (a practice colloquially known as “robo-tripping”), the sale of OTC products containing DXM is restricted to individuals 18 or older in several U.S. states. Procurement of the bulk active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) or analytical standard requires no special DEA licenses, but handling should occur within professional laboratory environments using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, and a laboratory coat.