Skip to content

Dextromethorphan Polistirex

FDA-approved product (suspension, extended release, oral), marketed as Delsym, Dextromethorphan Polistirex.

Registered studies
50+
Lab records
0
Pathogens at ≥40%
2 of 4

Chemical structure

Chemical structure of Dextromethorphan Polistirex
A drawing shows what the molecule is, not what it does.

Existing / approved use

Documented · FDA, WHO, ChEMBL

Approved for

  • Allergic disease
  • Common cold
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Nasal congestion
  • Sinusitis

Indications ChEMBL records as approved, from FDA and DailyMed labels. Label ↗

WHO therapeutic group
Other nervous system drugs; Opium alkaloids and derivatives
FDA pharmacologic class
Sigma-1 Agonist; Uncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Antagonist FDA label ↗
Anti-infective classification
Not classified as an anti-infective.

Repurposing investigation

This medicine is being investigated here for AI-predicted antimicrobial activity against E. coli and MRSA. It was surfaced computationally for further investigation; it is not an established treatment for these infections.

AI-predicted activity

AI prediction · nothing measured
  • MRSA40.2% AI-predicted activityAt or above the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates.
  • E. coli41.0% AI-predicted activityAt or above the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates.
  • K. pneumoniae27.3% AI-predicted activityBelow the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates.
  • M. tuberculosis38.7% AI-predicted activityBelow the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates.

A model’s estimate of laboratory activity against each pathogen species. It is not clinical effectiveness.

Evidence

Clinical and experimental

Documented evidence

Clinical

50+registered studies name this medicine, for any condition. The registry search keeps the first 50, so there may be more. See them below.

Experimental

No evidence found

No laboratory measurement against the four pathogens in the ChEMBL records loaded here.

Docking

Computational · nothing measured

Dihydrofolate reductase ↗ (E. coli)

-7.0 kcal/mol

0better fit →-12

KPC-2 carbapenemase ↗ (K. pneumoniae)

-6.9 kcal/mol

0better fit →-12

Enoyl-ACP reductase (InhA) ↗ (M. tuberculosis)

-6.4 kcal/mol

0better fit →-12

Dihydrofolate reductase ↗ (MRSA)

-7.2 kcal/mol

0better fit →-12

AutoDock Vina, one experimentally solved protein per pathogen. This project’s screening target is -7.0 kcal/mol, its own mark rather than a universal cutoff. A docking score is a structural hypothesis, not proof of binding, and requires experimental validation.

Other medicines to investigate

AI prediction · nothing measured

Other repurposing candidates: approved medicines besides Dextromethorphan Polistirex with AI-predicted activity ≥40% against the chosen pathogen, leaving out existing antimicrobials. They are computational candidates for further investigation, not alternatives and not recommendations.

Sorted by AI-predicted activity, high to low. The order is not a ranking of which medicine is better.

Registered studies

A registration describes a study; it does not establish a positive result.

  • Synaptic Mechanisms of Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation for Major Depressive Disorder

    NCT07593222 · start 2026-09-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT07593222
    Conditions
    Major Depression; Healthy Participants
    Interventions
    Sham iTBS; TMS; D-cycloserine; Dextromethophan; Placebo
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1 / Phase 2
    Registry status
    Not yet recruiting
    Start
    2026-09-01
    Completion
    2031-06-30
    Enrolment
    100

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionMajor Depression; Healthy Participants
    InterventionSham iTBS; TMS; D-cycloserine; Dextromethophan +1 more
    PhasePhase 1 / Phase 2
    Registry statusNot yet recruiting
  • A Study of Psychedelics in Healthy Older Adults With Low Well-being

    NCT07386730 · start 2026-06-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT07386730
    Conditions
    Anhedonia in Healthy Volunteers; Older Adults (50-90 Years)
    Interventions
    Psilocybin (drug); Dextromethorphan (DXM)
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1
    Registry status
    Recruiting
    Start
    2026-06-01
    Completion
    2030-02
    Enrolment
    80

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionAnhedonia in Healthy Volunteers; Older Adults (50-90 Years)
    InterventionPsilocybin (drug); Dextromethorphan (DXM)
    PhasePhase 1
    Registry statusRecruiting
  • Nintedanib With or Without Dextromethorphan in Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)

    NCT07583589 · start 2026-05-12

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT07583589
    Conditions
    Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
    Interventions
    Nintedanib,Dextromethorphan; Nintedanib,Placebo
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 2
    Registry status
    Not yet recruiting
    Start
    2026-05-12
    Completion
    2027-06-01
    Enrolment
    60

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionIdiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
    InterventionNintedanib,Dextromethorphan; Nintedanib,Placebo
    PhasePhase 2
    Registry statusNot yet recruiting
  • A Study to Investigate the Effect of Capivasertib on the Pharmacokinetics of Oral Dextromethorphan (CYP2D6 Substrate) in Healthy Participants

    NCT07241065 · start 2026-03-19

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT07241065
    Conditions
    Healthy Participants
    Interventions
    Dextromethorphan; Capivasertib
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2026-03-19
    Completion
    2026-07-20
    Enrolment
    42

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionHealthy Participants
    InterventionDextromethorphan; Capivasertib
    PhasePhase 1
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Efficacy of Dextromethorphan-Bupropion Versus SSRIs in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder

    NCT06957223 · start 2025-05-06

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT06957223
    Conditions
    Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
    Interventions
    Dextromethorphan-Bupropion; SSRIs
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2025-05-06
    Completion
    2025-12-31
    Enrolment
    80

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionMajor Depressive Disorder (MDD)
    InterventionDextromethorphan-Bupropion; SSRIs
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • KF2022#4-trial: Effects of a Beta Blocker and NSAID on CYP Mediated Drug Metabolism

    NCT06566794 · start 2024-08-22

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT06566794
    Conditions
    Drug Interaction
    Interventions
    Caffeine Tablet; Bupropion Hydrochloride Capsels; Repaglinide Capsels; Flurbiprofen Capsels; Omeprazole 10 MG; Dextromethorphan Oral Solution; Midazolam oral solution; Simvastatin tablets; Placebo; Carvedilol; Diclofenac
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2024-08-22
    Completion
    2025-01-10
    Enrolment
    12

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionDrug Interaction
    InterventionCaffeine Tablet; Bupropion Hydrochloride Capsels; Repaglinide Capsels; Flurbiprofen Capsels +7 more
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • DDI Study of Single Oral Dose of Acoziborole With Sequential Co-administration of Midazolam and Dextromethorphan

    NCT05947604 · start 2023-02-09

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05947604
    Conditions
    Trypanosomiasis, African
    Interventions
    Acoziborole; Midazolam; Dextromethorphan
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2023-02-09
    Completion
    2023-05-03
    Enrolment
    20

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionTrypanosomiasis, African
    InterventionAcoziborole; Midazolam; Dextromethorphan
    PhasePhase 1
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Drug-Drug Interaction Study to Evaluate the Effects of Ecopipam on the Pharmacokinetics of Multiple Substrates for Drug Metabolism and Transport

    NCT05334108 · start 2022-04-26

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05334108
    Conditions
    Drug Interaction
    Interventions
    Ecopipam; Cohort 1 Probe Substrate Cocktail; Cohort 2 Probe Substrate; Cohort 3 Probe Substrate Cocktail
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2022-04-26
    Completion
    2022-08-26
    Enrolment
    56

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionDrug Interaction
    InterventionEcopipam; Cohort 1 Probe Substrate Cocktail; Cohort 2 Probe Substrate; Cohort 3 Probe Substrate Cocktail
    PhasePhase 1
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Safety and Efficacy Evaluation of S (+) - Ketamine in Children

    NCT04834427 · start 2022-04-20

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT04834427
    Conditions
    S-ketamine; Esketamine; Acute Pain; Postoperative Pain; Analgesia; Hyperalgesia; Delirium; Depression, Anxiety; Children
    Interventions
    Conventional therapy + S (+)-Ketamine; Conventional therapy
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Unknown
    Start
    2022-04-20
    Completion
    2024-12-04
    Enrolment
    3,000

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionS-ketamine; Esketamine; Acute Pain; Postoperative Pain +5 more
    InterventionConventional therapy + S (+)-Ketamine; Conventional therapy
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusUnknown
  • Dextromethorphan Added on for Children With Chronic Irritability

    NCT05043805 · start 2021-05-09

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05043805
    Conditions
    Irritable Mood
    Interventions
    Dextromethorphan; placebo
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Unknown
    Start
    2021-05-09
    Completion
    2024-06-30
    Enrolment
    120

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionIrritable Mood
    InterventionDextromethorphan; placebo
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusUnknown
  • Safety and Efficacy Evaluation of S (+) - Ketamine in Adults

    NCT04837170 · start 2021-05-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT04837170
    Conditions
    Postoperative Pain; Adults; Anesthesia
    Interventions
    Conventional therapy + S (+)-Ketamine; Conventional therapy
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Unknown
    Start
    2021-05-01
    Completion
    2022-06-30
    Enrolment
    12,000

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionPostoperative Pain; Adults; Anesthesia
    InterventionConventional therapy + S (+)-Ketamine; Conventional therapy
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusUnknown
  • Dextromethorphan, Memantine Monotherapy, or Combined Use of Dextromethorphan and Memantine in Amphetamine Addiction

    NCT04687566 · start 2020-08-11

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT04687566
    Conditions
    Amphetamine Addiction; Pharmacotherapy
    Interventions
    Dextromethorphan; Memantine; Dextromethorphan and memantine; Placebo
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 2 / Phase 3
    Registry status
    Unknown
    Start
    2020-08-11
    Completion
    2024-07-31
    Enrolment
    120

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionAmphetamine Addiction; Pharmacotherapy
    InterventionDextromethorphan; Memantine; Dextromethorphan and memantine; Placebo
    PhasePhase 2 / Phase 3
    Registry statusUnknown
  • Open-Label Safety Study of AXS-05 in Subjects With Depression

    NCT04039022 · start 2019-07-08

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT04039022
    Conditions
    Major Depressive Disorder; Treatment Resistant Depression; Depression
    Interventions
    AXS-05 (dextromethorphan and bupropion) oral tablets
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 3
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2019-07-08
    Completion
    2020-10-23
    Enrolment
    876

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionMajor Depressive Disorder; Treatment Resistant Depression; Depression
    InterventionAXS-05 (dextromethorphan and bupropion) oral tablets
    PhasePhase 3
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Licorice Botanical Dietary Supplements - Metabolism and Safety in Women

    NCT03948243 · start 2019-04-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT03948243
    Conditions
    Food-drug Interaction
    Interventions
    Licorice; Alprazolam 2 MG; Caffeine 100 MG; Tolbutamide 250 mg; Dextromethorphan 30mg
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2019-04-01
    Completion
    2022-04-22
    Enrolment
    19

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionFood-drug Interaction
    InterventionLicorice; Alprazolam 2 MG; Caffeine 100 MG; Tolbutamide 250 mg +1 more
    PhasePhase 1
    Registry statusCompleted
  • A Study in Healthy Participants to Evaluate the Effects of Multiple Doses of JNJ-55308942 on Cytochrome P450 Substrate Activity and on the Pharmacokinetics of Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol

    NCT03547024 · start 2018-06-08

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT03547024
    Conditions
    Healthy
    Interventions
    JNJ-55308942 High Dose; JNJ-55308942 Low Dose; Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Fixed Dose combination (FDC); Drug Cocktail:Midazolam (2mg)/Omeprazole (20mg)/Dextromethorphan (30mg)
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2018-06-08
    Completion
    2018-08-30
    Enrolment
    14

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionHealthy
    InterventionJNJ-55308942 High Dose; JNJ-55308942 Low Dose; Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Fixed Dose combination (FDC); Drug Cocktail:Midazolam (2mg)/Omeprazole (20mg)/Dextromethorphan (30mg)
    PhasePhase 1
    Registry statusCompleted