INDIANAPOLIS — Traces of a potent anesthetic have been detected in illicit drugs on the streets of Indianapolis, prompting health officials to raise the alarm.
Medetomidine, a powerful animal tranquilizer, has emerged as one of the latest substances found mixed with other common street drugs.
The drug has recently been cited as the likely culprit behind overdose spikes in Chicago. In Indianapolis, health officials have alerted the community the drug is now being found in local supplies.
Here’s what to know:
What is medetomidine?
Medetomidine is a surgical veterinary anesthetic used for both small and large animals. It is in the same drug class as xylazine, another veterinary tranquilizer, known as the “zombie drug.”
It is not an opioid.
Similar to xylazine use, medetomidine is most commonly used to mix in samples of fentanyl, heroin and cocaine.
Additional information on medetomidine from The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education: https://www.cfsre.org/nps-discovery/monographs/medetomidine
IDOH naloxone information: https://www.in.gov/health/overdose-prevention/naloxone/
DTIP_Medetomidine Emergence Notification_Approved 6.4.24.pdf