Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Using dextromethorphan to manage pain after knee surgery

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

Run by University of Southern California · NCT05278494 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment160 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Southern California
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 15, 2022
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2026
Study endsDecember 31, 2026
Registry record updatedMarch 27, 2026
Trial IDNCT05278494 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a 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.

Probably 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.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

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 gone: 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.

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • Keck School of Medicine of USC
    Los Angeles, California, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.