Medetomidine: The Dangerous Veterinary Drug Now Appearing in Maryland’s Drug Supply
Maryland communities are facing a growing threat from a potent veterinary drug infiltrating the illicit drug supply: Medetomidine (meh-duh-toh-muh-deen). Similar to Xylazine, Medetomidine is a sedative approved only for use in animals. Alarmingly, it is being found mixed with street drugs in places like Cecil County, Maryland, drastically increasing the risk of overdose and death.
At Pyramid Healthcare in Maryland, we want you to understand what Medetomidine is, why it’s so dangerous and how you or a loved one can get help through our Maryland treatment programs.
What is Medetomidine?
Medetomidine is a powerful veterinary sedative — 200 to 300 times stronger than Xylazine — used by veterinarians to sedate animals. It has no approval for human use, yet recent reports show it’s being found in illicit drugs, often mixed with substances like fentanyl to intensify sedation or euphoria.
When used or injected by humans, Medetomidine can lead to life-threatening effects. Its extreme potency makes it especially dangerous, even in tiny amounts.
What Does Medetomidine Look Like?
This drug often appears as a white crystalline solid or powder. It’s sometimes sold or used intravenously. Drug suppliers may mix it into heroin, fentanyl or counterfeit pills, making it impossible for users to know it’s there — greatly increasing the risk of unintentional overdose.
Side Effects & Signs of Overdose
Because Medetomidine is a powerful sedative, it can cause extreme sleepiness or unconsciousness, slow heart rate, trouble breathing, dry mouth, coma or death.
Signs of overdose can include body feeling cold, pale or discolored skin and small pupils. These effects can appear rapidly after use, especially when combined with opioids.
How to Respond to a Medetomidine Overdose
If you suspect someone has overdosed, call 911 immediately — seconds matter. Perform rescue breathing if the person is not breathing or breathing abnormally. Administer Narcan (naloxone) — while Narcan does not reverse Medetomidine itself, it can reverse opioid overdoses if fentanyl or heroin is also involved.
Remember: Medetomidine overdoses are medical emergencies. Even if Narcan is used successfully, the person still needs emergency care.
Why Medetomidine is So Dangerous
Medetomidine’s potency — hundreds of times stronger than Xylazine — and its ability to slow breathing and heart rate mean overdose can happen fast. Additionally, many people using street drugs are unaware it’s been added, leaving them unprepared for its severe effects.
Getting Help at Pyramid Healthcare in Maryland
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid use, polysubstance use or any kind of substance dependence, Pyramid Healthcare in Maryland is here to help.
Our evidence-based treatment centers in Maryland offer:
- Medically monitored detox to safely manage withdrawal
- Residential and outpatient programs tailored to each individual’s needs
- Trauma-informed care addressing the root causes of substance use
- Family support services to help loved ones heal together
We understand how frightening it can be to see dangerous substances like Medetomidine enter the local drug supply. Our compassionate team provides the comprehensive support and medical care necessary for lasting recovery.
Don’t wait — if you or someone you know needs help with substance use in Maryland, contact us today.
Maryland communities are facing a growing threat from a potent veterinary drug infiltrating the illicit drug supply: Medetomidine (meh-duh-toh-muh-deen). Similar to Xylazine, Medetomidine is a sedative approved only for use in animals. Alarmingly, it is being found mixed with street drugs in places like Cecil County, Maryland, drastically increasing the risk of overdose and death.
At Pyramid Healthcare in Maryland, we want you to understand what Medetomidine is, why it’s so dangerous and how you or a loved one can get help through our Maryland treatment programs.
What is Medetomidine?
Medetomidine is a powerful veterinary sedative — 200 to 300 times stronger than Xylazine — used by veterinarians to sedate animals. It has no approval for human use, yet recent reports show it’s being found in illicit drugs, often mixed with substances like fentanyl to intensify sedation or euphoria.
When used or injected by humans, Medetomidine can lead to life-threatening effects. Its extreme potency makes it especially dangerous, even in tiny amounts.
What Does Medetomidine Look Like?
This drug often appears as a white crystalline solid or powder. It’s sometimes sold or used intravenously. Drug suppliers may mix it into heroin, fentanyl or counterfeit pills, making it impossible for users to know it’s there — greatly increasing the risk of unintentional overdose.
Side Effects & Signs of Overdose
Because Medetomidine is a powerful sedative, it can cause extreme sleepiness or unconsciousness, slow heart rate, trouble breathing, dry mouth, coma or death.
Signs of overdose can include body feeling cold, pale or discolored skin and small pupils. These effects can appear rapidly after use, especially when combined with opioids.
How to Respond to a Medetomidine Overdose
If you suspect someone has overdosed, call 911 immediately — seconds matter. Perform rescue breathing if the person is not breathing or breathing abnormally. Administer Narcan (naloxone) — while Narcan does not reverse Medetomidine itself, it can reverse opioid overdoses if fentanyl or heroin is also involved.
Remember: Medetomidine overdoses are medical emergencies. Even if Narcan is used successfully, the person still needs emergency care.
Why Medetomidine is So Dangerous
Medetomidine’s potency — hundreds of times stronger than Xylazine — and its ability to slow breathing and heart rate mean overdose can happen fast. Additionally, many people using street drugs are unaware it’s been added, leaving them unprepared for its severe effects.
Getting Help at Pyramid Healthcare in Maryland
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid use, polysubstance use or any kind of substance dependence, Pyramid Healthcare in Maryland is here to help.
Our evidence-based treatment centers in Maryland offer:
- Medically monitored detox to safely manage withdrawal
- Residential and outpatient programs tailored to each individual’s needs
- Trauma-informed care addressing the root causes of substance use
- Family support services to help loved ones heal together
We understand how frightening it can be to see dangerous substances like Medetomidine enter the local drug supply. Our compassionate team provides the comprehensive support and medical care necessary for lasting recovery.
Don’t wait — if you or someone you know needs help with substance use in Maryland, contact us today.
