Emergence of Medetomidine in the Illicit Drug Supply: Implications for Emergency Care and Withdrawal Management
Abstract
The US illicit drug supply continues to evolve with increasingly dangerous adulterants, with medetomidine a new agent seen in acute care and other practice settings. We reviewed available literature on illicit drug adulterants, medetomidine intoxication, and sequelae. Although little is known about withdrawal and the clinical manifestations are stark, we reviewed the best available literature on dexmedetomidine withdrawal and suggest approaches for treatment.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Anesthesia and Sedative Agents
Poisoning and overdose treatments
Veterinary Pharmacology and Anesthesia
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Annals of Emergency Medicine
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Volume
- 87
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 709–716
- Publication date
- 23 January 2026
- Language
- EN