Pharmacological profile of dextrorphan.

Dextrorphan (CAS 125-73-5) is the active metabolite of the antitussive agent dextromethorphan (CAS 125-71-3). The activity of dextromethorphan, its specific pharmacology, acute toxicity and general pharmacology in respect to the central nervous system were investigated in comparison to dextromethorphan. The studies showed that dextrorphan exerts an antitussive activity comparable to the one of dextromethorphan, but a better tolerability and a lower toxicity. These results suggest to use dextrorphan instead of its precursor dextromethorphan in therapy.