TY - JOUR
T1 - Detection of Medetomidine Among Patients Evaluated in Emergency Departments for Suspected Opioid Overdoses — Missouri, Colorado, and Pennsylvania, September 2020–December 2023
AU - Toxicology Investigators Consortium Fentalog Study Group
AU - Schwarz, Evan S.
AU - Buchanan, Jennie
AU - Aldy, Kim
AU - Shulman, Joshua
AU - Krotulski, Alex
AU - Walton, Sara
AU - Logan, Barry
AU - Wax, Paul
AU - Campleman, Sharan
AU - Brent, Jeffrey
AU - Culbreth, Rachel
AU - Manini, Alex F.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 Department of Health and Human Services. All rights reserved.
PY - 2024/8
Y1 - 2024/8
N2 - What is already known about this topic? Medetomidine, a veterinary anesthetic drug, is an emerging adulterant detected in illicit drugs, drug paraphernalia, and overdoses. What is added by this report? During August 2022–July 2023, medetomidine was detected among five patients along with xylazine, fentanyl, and illicit opioids. No permanent sequelae were reported. All patients received naloxone; however, only two received naloxone kits at discharge, and only one was referred for addiction treatment. What are the implications for public health practice? Medetomidine is an emerging adulterant detected in illicit drugs; further investigation is important to better understand the clinical effects of medetomidine and other novel adulterants. Programs to improve addiction treatment and naloxone distribution are needed.
AB - What is already known about this topic? Medetomidine, a veterinary anesthetic drug, is an emerging adulterant detected in illicit drugs, drug paraphernalia, and overdoses. What is added by this report? During August 2022–July 2023, medetomidine was detected among five patients along with xylazine, fentanyl, and illicit opioids. No permanent sequelae were reported. All patients received naloxone; however, only two received naloxone kits at discharge, and only one was referred for addiction treatment. What are the implications for public health practice? Medetomidine is an emerging adulterant detected in illicit drugs; further investigation is important to better understand the clinical effects of medetomidine and other novel adulterants. Programs to improve addiction treatment and naloxone distribution are needed.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85200425048&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.15585/mmwr.mm7330a3
DO - 10.15585/mmwr.mm7330a3
M3 - Article
C2 - 39088371
AN - SCOPUS:85200425048
SN - 0149-2195
VL - 73
SP - 672
EP - 674
JO - Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
JF - Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
IS - 30
ER -