Podcast: Medetomidine, the New Unwelcome Guest in Illicit Fentanyl

By Cameron English and ChuckDinerstein — Jun 14, 2024

There's yet another adulterant showing up in illicit fentanyl in cities across North America: medetomidine, a drug used for sedation, analgesia, and muscle relaxation, typically in veterinary settings. How dangerous is the drug, and what can be done to stop its recreational use? Let's take a look.

Join Cameron English and Dr. Chuck Dinerstein on Episode 75 of the Science Dispatch podcast as they discuss the latest development in illicit drug use:

You Think Tranq Is Bad? Meet Medetomidine

The "iron law of prohibition" is alive and well. An animal anesthetic related to – but worse than – xylazine (Tranq) is called medetomidine. It's starting to be detected in samples of illicit fentanyl. Just what we don't need: another adulterant in an already-deadly street drug. And it's all predictable.

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Cameron English

Director of Bioscience

Cameron English is a writer, editor and co-host of the Science Facts and Fallacies Podcast. Before joining ACSH, he was managing editor at the Genetic Literacy Project.