The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) issued a health advisory on Thursday about reports of medetomidine being detected in fentanyl.<\/p>\n
Also known as “rhino tranq,” “mede” or “dex,” medetomidine is a veterinary sedative<\/a> that causes severe, prolonged sedation. Classified as an alpha-2 agonist, it acts on the nervous system similar to other veterinary sedatives, like xylazine, and can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.<\/p>\n FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND FENTANYL VACCINE TARGETS OVERDOSES BEFORE THEY START<\/a><\/p>\n The advisory is based on surveillance data, including forensic drug testing, wastewater analysis, clinical case reports and overdose investigations.<\/p>\n In 2023, there were 247 incidences of medetomidine detected in drug samples, which rose to 2,616 in 2024 and 8,233 in 2025 \u2013 a more than 3,000% increase. Forensic drug reports showed that about 98% of medetomidine-positive samples also contained fentanyl.\u00a0<\/p>\n Health and government officials are warning of a potential deadly substance in the illegal drug suppl (iStock)<\/p>\n The drug has been detected in at least 18 states and Washington, D.C., with a concentration in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the U.S., per the CDC alert.<\/p>\n Dr. Adam Scioli, chief medical officer of Caron Treatment Centers in Pennsylvania, said the alert highlights\u00a0a\u00a0“concerning and rapidly evolving development”\u00a0in the illicit opioid supply<\/a>.<\/p>\n ‘GAS STATION HEROIN’ BANNED IN ANOTHER STATE AMID NATIONWIDE CRACKDOWNS<\/a><\/p>\n “Its co\u2011occurrence with fentanyl significantly\u00a0complicates overdose presentation and withdrawal management, further increasing both clinical acuity and unpredictability,” he told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n “Medetomidine is\u00a0not routinely detected on standard toxicology screens<\/a>, increasing the risk of under\u2011recognition without a\u00a0high index of clinical suspicion.”<\/p>\n The drug has been detected in at least 18 states and Washington, DC, with a concentration in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the U.S. (iStock)<\/p>\n Naloxone (Narcan), known for its overdose reversal effects, does not counteract medetomidine, the advisory warned.<\/p>\n “While naloxone remains essential for reversing opioid\u2011induced respiratory depression<\/a>, it\u00a0does not address the sedative effects of medetomidine,” Scioli confirmed.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES<\/a><\/p>\n The initial effects of the drug include deep sedation or decreased consciousness, bradycardia (slow heart rate<\/a>), hypotension (low blood pressure) and respiratory depression, especially when combined with fentanyl and other opioids.<\/p>\n Withdrawal symptoms typically begin about a few hours after taking medetomidine. They can be severe and rapid, peaking at about 18-36 hours, according to experts.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Initial withdrawal symptoms include rising blood pressure, tachycardia, agitation and nausea\/vomiting, gradually leading to severe hypertension, altered mental status, and possible cardiac or neurologic complications<\/a>, per the alert.<\/p>\n Severe cases require intensive care in a hospital. “Management may require\u00a0ICU\u2011level monitoring and care,” said Scioli.<\/p>\n Naloxone (Narcan), known for its overdose reversal effects, does not counteract medetomidine, the advisory warned. (Reuters\/Andrew Kelly)<\/p>\n In a May 2024 example cited by the CDC, medetomidine in the illegal opioid supply was linked to a cluster of overdoses in Chicago, potentially exceeding 175. At least 16 people were hospitalized and one died.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP<\/a><\/p>\n There were some limitations to the surveillance, the agency acknowledged. Surveillance systems rely on small samples that may not be representative of all areas.<\/p>\n There is also the chance that the numbers could be overestimated due to contamination or repeated use of drug paraphernalia. Conversely, numbers could actually be higher than recorded, as medetomidine is rapidly metabolized in the body and is not typically tested in clinical settings.<\/p>\n An expert noted that the alert highlights the need for “careful assessment\u00a0beyond standard opioid toxicity models,” as well as close coordination with\u00a0toxicology, emergency medicine and public health partners. (iStock)<\/p>\n The surveillance was conducted by the CDC with support from federal public health programs and collaboration with other agencies.<\/p>\n Scioli noted that the alert highlights the need for “careful assessment\u00a0beyond standard opioid toxicity models,” as well as close coordination with\u00a0toxicology, emergency medicine and public health<\/a> partners.<\/p>\n![\"Pills](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/fentanyl-pills-opioids-prescriptions.jpg\")
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