Dextromethorphan half-life
Dextromethorphan is strongly shaped by CYP2D6 phenotype, and the parent-to-dextrorphan relationship can produce very different concentration profiles.
Every curve begins at 100%. No dose or measured body concentration is assumed.
X-axis: elapsed time. Y-axis: modeled percentage of the relative starting point remaining. This is a mathematical visualization, not a personal concentration estimate.
Dextromethorphan: evidence and interpretation notes
The measured compound is only one timeline
Dextromethorphan is strongly shaped by CYP2D6 phenotype, and the parent-to-dextrorphan relationship can produce very different concentration profiles. The 3.5-hour line is a comparison value, not a genotype-neutral promise.
The visual model centers on Dextromethorphan at 3.5 hours. Nothing in the calculation adjusts for dose history, organ function, interactions, tolerance, or a study’s sampling method.
Dextromethorphan is a useful example of metabolism-driven variability. CYP2D6 phenotype can materially affect parent drug and metabolite exposure.
The 3.5 hour value is a simplified input for the curve. It should not be treated as a universal estimate across cough products, doses, or metabolic phenotypes.
The entry cites human pharmacokinetic work, a direct DailyMed cold/flu label containing dextromethorphan, and the PubChem compound record.
The calculator does not model dextrorphan, combination ingredients, toxicity, or drug interactions.
For Dextromethorphan, parent-compound decline can differ from dissociation, sedation, analgesia, or motor effects. Metabolites and redistribution may also be relevant depending on the substance.
What each source contributes
- Capon DA et al. Pharmacokinetics of dextromethorphan and metabolites in humans (1996). This metabolism study identifies pathways, metabolites, or analytical targets and does not by itself create a complete human concentration-time curve.
- DailyMed: Dextromethorphan-containing cold/flu solution. This product label adds formulation-specific pharmacokinetic context and does not represent every route or product.
- PubChem: Dextromethorphan. This identity record confirms names and compound identity and does not supply a human half-life.
For Dextromethorphan, the numerical model is tied most closely to Capon DA et al. Pharmacokinetics of dextromethorphan and metabolites in humans (1996). As a metabolism study, it identifies pathways, metabolites, or analytical targets; it does not by itself create a complete human concentration-time curve.
Why there is no range on the chart
This profile plots 3.5 hours for Dextromethorphan without adding an unsourced high-low band. A single supported center is more honest than manufacturing a range from unrelated routes, populations, or formulations.
InterpretationReading the curve and its category context
Reading this curve
HalfLifeDB uses 3.5 h as a representative input for Dextromethorphan. In the simplified model, about 0.9% remains after 24 hours and about 3% remains after five half-lives, or roughly 17.5 h.
This is a short curve. The modeled amount changes noticeably over the same day, while effects, metabolites, and safety questions can still follow a different timeline. The curve is relative: it does not estimate a person's measured concentration, effects, impairment, or time to clearance.
dissociative context
Dissociative entries often require care because parent compounds, metabolites, redistribution, and subjective duration may not move together.
- The calculator does not model active metabolites separately.
- Duration and half-life can diverge substantially.
- Study values may depend on route and sampling window.
ComparisonTimeline checkpoints and nearby profiles
Dextromethorphan timeline checkpoints
| Elapsed time | Modeled remaining | Reading note |
|---|---|---|
| 6 h | 30.5% | Long-tail portion of the model |
| 12 h | 9.29% | Low modeled remainder, not a clearance guarantee |
| 24 h | 0.86% | Low modeled remainder, not a clearance guarantee |
| 2.0 days | 0.01% | Low modeled remainder, not a clearance guarantee |
| 3.0 days | 0.00% | Low modeled remainder, not a clearance guarantee |
Nearby profiles by half-life
These entries sit near Dextromethorphan within the dissociative group when sorted by representative half-life. That makes them curve comparisons, not statements about equal potency, effects, or risk.
EvidencePharmacokinetic inputs and source trail
Pharmacokinetics at a glance
| Representative half-life | 3.5 h |
|---|---|
| Curve type | Normalized, first-order decline |
Selection note: Dextromethorphan is strongly shaped by CYP2D6 phenotype, and the parent-to-dextrorphan relationship can produce very different concentration profiles. The 3.5-hour line is a comparison value, not a genotype-neutral promise.
Sources and evidence context
A linked record is not automatically proof of the displayed value. Study, labeling, review, and compound identity sources serve different purposes; notes below identify limitations when they are known.
- Research abstract Capon DA et al. Pharmacokinetics of dextromethorphan and metabolites in humans (1996).Metabolism-focused evidence used to identify pathways or analytes. It does not automatically establish a population half-life.
- Official labeling DailyMed label: Dextromethorphan-containing cold/flu solution.Official U.S. product labeling used for formulation and labeled pharmacokinetic context; its statements apply to the described product.
- Identity record PubChem Compound Summary: Dextromethorphan.Compound identity and naming record. It supplies chemistry context, not independent numerical support for the model.
BoundariesWhat this page cannot answer and where to continue
What this page does not answer
- It does not estimate impairment, intoxication, or fitness to drive.
- It does not predict urine, blood, saliva, or hair test results.
- It does not model repeated exposure, tolerance, withdrawal, or interactions.
- It does not replace clinician, pharmacist, toxicologist, or emergency guidance.
Continue with context
- All substance profiles
- Browse the dissociative group
- Compare this curve
- Clearance and volume of distribution
- Bioavailability, route, and formulation
- Active metabolites and parent compounds
- First-order vs nonlinear kinetics
- Detection windows vs half-life
- Reading labels and source quality
Read the medical disclaimer, methodology, and research standards before using the model for comparison.