"Crystal Dex:" Free-Base Dextromethorphan

Robert G. Hendrickson; Robert L. Cloutier

doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2007.03.010

"Crystal Dex:" Free-Base Dextromethorphan

Robert G. Hendrickson, Robert L. Cloutier

Emergency Medicine

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a common component of combination cold medications that has become a popular drug of abuse for young adults. Abusers of DXM have developed a simple acid-base extraction technique to "free-base," or extract, the DXM from the unwanted guaifenesin, coloring agents, sweeteners, and alcohol that are typically included in combination cold preparations. We report a case of DXM overdose after ingestion of this purified "Crystal Dex" and discuss the "Agent Lemon" and single-phase extraction techniques that are used to free-base the dextromethorphan.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	393-396
Number of pages	4
Journal	Journal of Emergency Medicine
Volume	32
Issue number	4
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2007.03.010
State	Published - May 2007

Keywords

crystal
dextromethorphan
emergency medicine
free-base
overdose
toxicity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Emergency Medicine

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10.1016/j.jemermed.2007.03.010

Cite this

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title = "{"}Crystal Dex:{"} Free-Base Dextromethorphan",

abstract = "Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a common component of combination cold medications that has become a popular drug of abuse for young adults. Abusers of DXM have developed a simple acid-base extraction technique to {"}free-base,{"} or extract, the DXM from the unwanted guaifenesin, coloring agents, sweeteners, and alcohol that are typically included in combination cold preparations. We report a case of DXM overdose after ingestion of this purified {"}Crystal Dex{"} and discuss the {"}Agent Lemon{"} and single-phase extraction techniques that are used to free-base the dextromethorphan.",

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AU - Cloutier, Robert L.

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AB - Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a common component of combination cold medications that has become a popular drug of abuse for young adults. Abusers of DXM have developed a simple acid-base extraction technique to "free-base," or extract, the DXM from the unwanted guaifenesin, coloring agents, sweeteners, and alcohol that are typically included in combination cold preparations. We report a case of DXM overdose after ingestion of this purified "Crystal Dex" and discuss the "Agent Lemon" and single-phase extraction techniques that are used to free-base the dextromethorphan.

KW - crystal

KW - dextromethorphan

KW - emergency medicine

KW - free-base

KW - overdose

KW - toxicity

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ER -

"Crystal Dex:" Free-Base Dextromethorphan

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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