Delaware’s Opioid Response Team has issued a warning about a new illicit drug, medetomidine. This potent veterinary tranquilizer, is potentially dangerous, here is what you need to know.

● Delaware’s Opioid Response Team (ORT) has issued a bulletin warning providers and
clinicians of a new illicit drug called medetomidine.

● Medetomidine is from a class of medications called alpha-2 agonist, and is a potent
veterinary tranquilizer. It is more potent than xylazine, which is currently laced into illicit
drugs.
● It is NOT approved for use in humans.
● Common effects from medetomidine are significant sedation, low heart rate, and low
blood pressure. It can also cause muscle twitching and vomiting. In extreme cases it
can cause central nervous system depression and death.
● Delaware’s Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) is telling providers
to begin treatment by administering Naloxone when responding to a drug overdose.
Then they monitor and treat symptoms associated with clinical presentation.
● More information is forthcoming as officials work to understand and identify the use of
this new drug.