The New Jersey Poison Control Center is aware
of eight patients since November 11, 2024, reporting heroin use with clinical
presentations consistent with medetomidine exposure. These
patients have presented statewide, and all had bradycardia and
sedation, with variable levels of respiratory depression. Among the
patients who received naloxone, the response was mixed.
Medetomidine is a veterinary sedative and an
emerging adulterant in the unregulated opioid supply. It is not approved for
human use. It has been detected in at least 18 states, the District of
Columbia, and Canada. Informally, it has also been referred to as “rhino tranq”
or “mede.”
Potential patients will likely present after
opioid use or overdose with sedation, bradycardia, and possibly respiratory
depression, all of which will have minimal or no response to naloxone. Severely
affected patients will require medical intervention, including monitoring or
addressing airway and oxygenation status.
For any questions or to report a possible
exposure, please call the New Jersey Poison Center (1-800-222-1222).
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