Demorphan Other names: Demorphine Dextromethorphan Dextrometorphan Dextromorphan Dexyromethorphan Levomethorphan

Chemical formula: C₁₈H₂₅NO  Molecular mass: 271.404 g/mol  PubChem compound: 5360696

Pregnancy

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Dextromethorphan should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit of treatment to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the developing foetus.

Nursing mothers

Dextromethorphan should not be used during lactation unless the potential benefit of treatment to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the nursing infant.

It is not known whether dextromethorphan or its metabolites are excreted in breast milk.

Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Unlikely to produce an effect.

This medicine can impair cognitive function and can affect a patient’s ability to drive safely. This class of medicine is in the list of drugs included in regulations under 5a of the Road Traffic Act 1988. When taking this medicine, patients should be told:

  • The medicine is likely to affect your ability to drive.
  • Do not drive until you know how the medicine affects you.
  • It is an offence to drive while under the influence of this medicine.
  • However, you would not be committing an offence (called ‘statutory defence’) if:
    • The medicine has been taken to treat a medical or dental problem and
    • You have taken it according to the information provided with the medicine and
    • It was not affecting your ability to drive safely.

Details regarding a new driving offence concerning driving after drugs have been taken in the UK may be found here: https://www.gov.uk/drug-driving-law.

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Review your medication to ensure that there are no potentially harmful drug interactions or contraindications.

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