medetomidine- new cutting substance found in a few places already, namely philly.
Medetomidine is a veterinary sedative, similar to xylazine (tranq), that was first found in Philadelphia’s drug supply in May 2024. Medetomidine is 100-200 times more potent than xylazine and can cause longer-lasting sedation, low heart rates, and more severe withdrawal symptoms. It is not an opioid but is found in the dope (street opioid) supply.
Since the introduction of medetomidine, there has been an increase in the variation and severity of withdrawal symptoms, a decrease in the number of patients seeking treatment for xylazine-associated wounds, and a decrease in the presence of xylazine in Philadelphia’s drug supply. From May 2024 to March 2026, the percentage of Philadelphia dope samples with medetomidine increased from 29% to 90%, while the percentage of samples with xylazine decreased from 97% to 28%, suggesting that medetomidine is quickly overtaking xylazine in the dope supply. During this period, medetomidine was also found in overdose death data from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s (PDPH) Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO) and, like xylazine, was always found in combination with fentanyl.
it's not just a philly problem, it's been found in other states including North Carolina, Ohio, and Illinois have identified medetomidine in their local supply.
helpful links:
info from CDC
current treatment guidance
side note- this stuff is now showing up in dope they're calling "rhino" tranq. it's being used instead of xylazine. it's much more dangerous. be careful out there.
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