Michigan DHHS warns of medetomidine, a veterinary tranquilizer causing overdose deaths; not reversed by naloxone.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services warns of new drug causing overdose deaths. Medetomidine, a veterinary tranquilizer not approved for human use, has been identified in overdose deaths across the state. It can cause slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, and decreases in brain and spinal cord activity. Medetomidine is more potent than xylazine and is not reversed by medications such as naloxone. Since March, three overdose deaths have been identified involving medetomidine during postmortem toxicology testing.

June 06, 2024
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