Last update: May 22, 2019

Dextromethorphan

Very Low Risk for breastfeeding


Safe. Compatible.
Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Cough suppressant related with morphine and codeine (d-isomer of the codeine analog of levorphanol) which is lacking of analgesic, sedative or respiratory depression properties (Schaefer 2007, Bem 1992) except in case of overdose or abuse (Journey 2019, WHO 2012, Pender 1991).
Commonly prescribed by pediatricians.

At latest update, relevant published data on excretion into breast milk were not found.

Because reported low toxicity and mild side effect, expert authors consider it safe, probably compatible during lactation (Hale 2019, Briggs 2017, Schaefer 2007).

Frequently associated to caffeine and other products that are usually compatible with breastfeeding.
It is advisable to avoid preparations with excessive alcohol concentration (> 20%) as excipient (Nice 2000).

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Dextromethorphan since it is relatively safe.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM´s pediatricians and pharmacists, and are based on updated scientific publications.
It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

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Other names

Dextromethorphan is also known as


Dextromethorphan in other languages or writings:

Group

Dextromethorphan belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Dextromethorphan in its composition:

List of 125 tradenames

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 100 %
Molecular weight 370 daltons
Protein Binding 60 - 70 %
pKa 9,85 -
Tmax 1 - 2 hours
T1/2 3 - 6 hours

References

  1. Hale TW. Hale's Medications & Mothers' Milk. Springer Publishing Company. 2019
  2. Journey JD, Stern E. Dextromethorphan Toxicity. 2019 Feb 17. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-. Abstract
  3. AEMPS Dextrometorfano. Ficha técnica. 2016 Full text (in our servers)
  4. WHO. Expert Committee on Drug Dependence. Dextromethorphan Pre-Review Report. WHO. 2012 Full text (in our servers)
  5. Schaefer C, Peters P, Miller RK. Drugs During Pregnancy and Lactation. Treatment options and risk assessment. Elsevier, second edition. London. 2007
  6. Nice FJ, Snyder JL, Kotansky BC. Breastfeeding and over-the-counter medications. J Hum Lact. 2000 Nov;16(4):319-31. Review. Erratum in: J Hum Lact 2001 Feb;17(1):90. Abstract
  7. Bem JL, Peck R. Dextromethorphan. An overview of safety issues. Drug Saf. 1992 Abstract
  8. Pender ES, Parks BR. Toxicity with dextromethorphan-containing preparations: a literature review and report of two additional cases. Pediatr Emerg Care. 1991 Jun;7(3):163-5. Abstract

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