This article serves as a public alert about the rapid proliferation of medetomidine in the United States.
This announcement notifies public health, harm reduction, first responders, clinicians, medical examiners and coroners, forensic and clinical laboratories, and all other related communities about new information surrounding the emergent adulterant medetomidine (also referred to as dexmedetomidine). Medetomidine is the latest CNS depressant to appear as an adulterant alongside fentanyl in the recreational drug supply. Recent mass overdose outbreaks in Philadelphia, Chicago, and elsewhere have all been associated with fentanyl or heroin drug products containing medetomidine, as well xylazine and/or other substances. In cases where medetomidine ingestion is suspected or confirmed, severe adverse effects have been noted, including heightened sedation and profound bradycardia. In December 2023, the CFSRE and the Colombo Plan issued a Toxic Adulterant Alert for medetomidine following its emergence in the recreational drug supply. Medetomidine is an alpha-2 agonist, belonging to the same family of drugs as xylazine and clonidine. Medetomidine is synthetically manufactured and exists in two enantiomeric forms: dexmedetomidine and levomedetomidine, the former being active and potent. Dexmedetomidine is approved for use in humans and is administered in hospital, while differing forms of medetomidine are available for use in veterinary medicine. The effects of medetomidine can include sedation, analgesia, muscle relaxation, anxiolysis, bradycardia, hypotension, hyperglycemia, and hallucinations. Duration of action is noted to be longer for medetomidine relative to xylazine.