Coroner & Health Department warn against emerging drug

Submitted by Hamilton County Coroner’s Office

On Wednesday, the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) issued an alert to coroners, law enforcement, and first responders about an emerging drug called medetomidine, a non-opioid sedative used in veterinary medicine.

According to the IDOH, medetomidine is being mixed with illicit substances, while most commonly detected alongside fentanyl, xylazine, and heroin.

Medetomidine was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1996 for veterinary use, specifically as a sedative for dogs. It has also been determined that medetomidine was found to be stronger and longer acting than xylazine.

Medetomidine is commonly referred to as the “Zombie Drug.” Symptoms often include sedation, analgesia, dry mouth, respiratory depression, hypnotic effects, dilated pupils, hypothermia, muscle twitching, slow heart rate, and initial hypertension followed by prolonged hypotension.

The illegal use of medetomidine has recently been detected in returned syringes at multiple Marion County Syringe Service Program sites.

Ginder

According to Health Education Specialist Jim Ginder of the Hamilton County Health Department, medetomidine does not respond to Narcan or naloxone; however, because medetomidine is commonly mixed with fentanyl and other opioids the use of Narcan is recommended during a suspected overdose.

The Hamilton County Health Department does offer free Narcan and Narcan classes to the public.

Jellison

“The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office has not yet seen medetomidine during our investigations of fatal overdoses,” Coroner Jeff Jellison said. “Because of its widespread use just south of our county border, the community must remain on alert. Medetomidine is commonly mixed into pills and powders often purchased on the street or from internet black market pharmacies.”