Methorphan Explained

Methorphan comes in two isomeric forms, each with differing pharmacology and effects:

• Dextromethorphan An over-the-counter cough suppressant, as well as dissociative hallucinogen.
• Levomethorphan A potent opioid analgesic that was never clinically developed; a prodrug of the powerful opioid agonist analgesic levorphanol (Levo-Dromoran).

Racemethorphan is the racemic mixture of both of these stereoisomers.^[1] It is listed under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961 and is therefore listed in the United States as a Controlled Substance, specifically as a Narcotic in Schedule II with an ACSCN of 9732 and an annual aggregate manufacturing quota of 3 grams in 2014.^{[2] [3]} The salts in use are the hydrobromide (free base conversion ratio 0.770) and the tartrate (0.644).

See also

• Morphinan
• Racemorphan

Notes and References

1. Aumatell A, Wells RJ . Chiral differentiation of the optical isomers of racemethorphan and racemorphan in urine by capillary zone electrophoresis . Journal of Chromatographic Science . 31 . 12 . 502–8 . December 1993 . 8120122 . 10.1093/chromsci/31.12.502 .
2. Web site: Conversion Factors for Controlled Substances. www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov.
3. Book: Nordegren T . Racemethorphan . https://books.google.com/books?id=4yaGePenGKgC&pg=PA549 . The A-Z Encyclopedia of Alcohol and Drug Abuse . 2002 . Brown Walker Press . Parkland, Fla. . 978-1-58112-404-0 . 548–549 .