Using dextromethorphan to manage pain after knee surgery

A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Perioperative Dextromethorphan Compared to Placebo for the Treatment of Postoperative Pain

NA · University of Southern California · NCT05278494

This study is testing if dextromethorphan can help reduce pain after knee surgery for people getting a total knee replacement.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Southern California (other)
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
Trial IDNCT05278494 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of dextromethorphan, an analgesic, in reducing postoperative pain in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. It is a randomized, placebo-controlled trial where participants will receive either dextromethorphan or a placebo before and after surgery. The primary goal is to determine if dextromethorphan can significantly alleviate pain compared to no treatment. The trial will involve 160 participants, equally divided between the treatment and placebo groups.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for total knee arthroplasty and are classified as ASA classes I to III.

Not a fit: Patients with a BMI of 35 or higher, a history of opioid abuse, or those who have experienced intractable vomiting after previous surgeries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new, effective option for managing postoperative pain in knee surgery patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there is preclinical evidence supporting the analgesic effects of dextromethorphan, this specific approach in postoperative pain management is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Main Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients Age ≥18 planning to undergo total knee arthroplasty
* ASA classes I - III

Main Exclusion Criteria:

* BMI ≥ 35
* History opioid abuse
* History of intractable vomiting after previous surgery

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Post-operative Pain

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.