The following information was compiled in November 2023 and is subject to change as new research is conducted and as new information becomes available:

Description: Medetomidine is an alpha-2 agonist, similar to clonidine and xylazine, that is used clinically as a sedative and analgesic. Medetomidine is categorized herein as an NPS due to its novelty in use as an adulterant in the recreational opioid supply, and is classified under our miscellaneous category. Medetomidine recently emerged in the fentanyl supply in the United States. Due to its uses clinically in humans, the presence of medetomidine in toxicology samples is not necessarily indicative of fentanyl adulteration and recreational use; administration in hospital should be ruled out on a case-by-case basis.

Sample Source: American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) — Toxicology Investigators Consortium

Sample Appearance: Blood, serum/plasma, and other toxicology specimens

Pharmacology: The pharmacology of medetomidine is extensively published in the literature.1

Toxicology: Medetomidine has been detected in twelve toxicology cases at the CFSRE.

Drug Materials: Medetomidine has not been identified in drug materials to date at the CFSRE.

Demographics / Geographics: Toxicology specimens originated from the states of Missouri, Colorado, Pennsylvania, California, and Maryland. Medetomidine was commonly detected alongside fentanyl.

Legal Status: Medetomidine is not explicitly scheduled in the United States.