How does dextromethorphan work in the body

While you likely think of coughing as something that happens in your chest or throat, a persistent cough has a surprising amount to do with your nervous system. Some of these nerve endings detect harmful or irritating chemicals like ozone, a common component of air pollution.

Other nerves, called mechanoreceptors, pick up physical changes in your lungs and airways. To do that, they send a chemical signal, which is picked up by special receptors in your brain, like a key fitting into a lock. Dextromethorphan works on the part of your brain responsible for the cough reflex, disrupting the communication between your brain and the nerves which provoke the coughing.

It temporarily blocks the "lock" so that the "key" no longer fits. Do not double doses. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Keep from freezing. If your cough has not improved after 7 days, if sore throat has not improved after 2 days, if you have a high fever, skin rash, or continuing headache with the cough, or if asthma or high blood pressure is present, check with your doctor. These signs may mean that you have other medical problems. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects.

Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:.

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Drugs and Supplements Dextromethorphan Oral Route. Legal Conditions and Terms Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. One particularly dangerous side effect of DXM is hyperthermia — extremely high fever.

This is a big problem in hot environments or when DXM users physically exert themselves, like while dancing at a club. High body temperatures can quickly lead to brain damage or a coma. It's possible to overdose on too much DXM, especially if it's in pure powder form. Someone who overdoses may have brain damage or seizures, and might even die. People using cold medicines to get high may not realize they are taking high doses of many drugs, not just DXM.