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Led by Nathanael Heckmann · Updated on 2026-03-27
160
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of perioperative dextromethorphan compared to a placebo in managing postoperative pain for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty TKA. This randomized, placebo-controlled trial aims to study the analgesic effects of dextromethorphan based on preclinical evidence suggesting its benefit for pain of traumatic origin. The study randomly assigns male and female patients to two groups one receiving dextromethorphan and the other receiving a placebo. Participants in the dextromethorphan group will take 60 mg orally before surgery and 30 mg at 8 and 16 hours after surgery. The trial is conducted at a single institution and involves multiple doses to assess pain relief after TKA. During the study, participants will be monitored for opioid use within 24 hours after surgery, as well as their subjective pain levels before surgery and at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours afterward. Researchers will also track opioid consumption up to 48 hours postoperatively. The study includes a triple-blind design to ensure unbiased results and continues until the end of 2026.
CONDITIONS
Dextromethorphan for Treatment of Postoperative Pain
P
Pui Yan, MS
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Nathanael Heckmann
Lead Sponsor
This table compares participation in this trial with other options available for this condition. The information is drawn from published research and the trial’s study details and is provided for educational purposes only.
| Factors | Dextromethorphan regimen | Placebo |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Oral dextromethorphan given before and after knee surgery | Matching oral placebo given on the same schedule |
| Role in trial | Investigational treatment arm | Placebo control arm |
| Primary use | Postoperative pain control following total knee replacement | Control to assess dextromethorphan effect |
| Administration | 60 mg orally before surgery, then 30 mg at 8 h and 16 h after | Placebo orally on same timing |
| Evidence status | Efficacy not yet established; this trial is ongoing | No effect expected beyond placebo |
| Important risks | Safety profile being evaluated; known risks not detailed in registry | Placebo has no active drug risks |
| Limitations | Single‑center design and lack of pharmacokinetic sampling | Same limitations apply to control group |
Disclaimer: This comparison is created with the help of artificial intelligence(AI) and may contain errors or missing information. It is not medical advice and does not mean one option is better or safer than another. Clinical trials are still being studied, and joining a trial is your choice. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any decisions.
You may qualify if you...
You will not qualify if you...
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - Perioperative period including preoperative and up to 16 hours postoperative
Participants receive dextromethorphan or placebo around the time of surgery to evaluate its effect on postoperative pain.
1 baseline visit (preoperative) and 2 postoperative dosing times
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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Ian A Jones, Amit S Piple, Pui Yuk Yan...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36991450/Nathanael Heckmann
Lead Sponsor
