Dextromethorphan/quinidine
Dextromethorphan/quinidine is a combination drug that contains dextromethorphan and quinidine. It is used primarily for the treatment of Pseudobulbar affect, a condition characterized by uncontrollable episodes of crying and/or laughing, or other emotional displays.
Pharmacology[edit | edit source]
Dextromethorphan is a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist and also acts as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. The primary purpose of quinidine in this combination is to inhibit the metabolism of dextromethorphan, thereby increasing its systemic availability and prolonging its effects.
Clinical Use[edit | edit source]
Dextromethorphan/quinidine is approved by the FDA for the treatment of pseudobulbar affect (PBA). PBA is a neurological condition characterized by uncontrollable episodes of crying and/or laughing, or other emotional displays. It is often seen in people with certain neurological conditions or injuries, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson's disease.
Side Effects[edit | edit source]
Common side effects of dextromethorphan/quinidine include dizziness, cough, vomiting, peripheral edema, diarrhea, and urinary tract infection. Serious side effects may include thrombocytopenia, hepatotoxicity, serotonin syndrome, and cardiac arrhythmia.
Contraindications[edit | edit source]
Dextromethorphan/quinidine is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to dextromethorphan or quinidine, in patients with a history of thrombocytopenia or other hematological disease due to quinidine, and in patients taking other drugs that are potent inhibitors of CYP2D6.
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Dextromethorphan
- Quinidine
- Pseudobulbar affect
- NMDA receptor antagonist
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
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