Dextromethorphan, Quinidine, and Quinidine Gluconate
Nuedexta is a combination medication containing dextromethorphan and quinidine, used specifically to treat pseudobulbar affect (PBA) - a neurological condition causing involuntary episodes of crying, laughing, or other emotional outbursts that don't match how a person actually feels. The medication helps regulate emotional expression by affecting brain signaling pathways.
Nuedexta treats pseudobulbar affect (PBA), a condition causing involuntary emotional outbursts, using a combination of dextromethorphan and quinidine.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1040055
- Generic
- Nuedexta
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Nuedexta is FDA-approved for treating pseudobulbar affect (PBA), a condition characterized by sudden, involuntary episodes of crying, laughing, or other emotional expressions. PBA often occurs secondary to neurological conditions such as ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), multiple sclerosis, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or traumatic brain injury.
Dextromethorphan acts on sigma-1 receptors and affects glutamate and serotonin neurotransmission in the brain, which helps regulate emotional expression. Quinidine inhibits the liver enzyme CYP2D6, which metabolizes dextromethorphan, thereby increasing and prolonging its blood levels to make the medication more effective.
Nuedexta requires a REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program due to the quinidine component, which can cause serious heart rhythm abnormalities (QT prolongation). It may interact with many other medications and is contraindicated in patients with certain heart conditions, history of quinidine allergy, or those taking MAO inhibitors. Common side effects may include dizziness, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy