WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) issued a health advisory on April 17, 2026, regarding the presence of medetomidine in the local illicit fentanyl supply. Medetomidine is a non-opioid sedative and alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used in veterinary medicine.
The advisory follows other detections of medetomidine in illicit drug supplies across North America, including Philadelphia, Chicago and Toronto. Data from the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE) indicates medetomidine detections began in late 2022 and in toxicology specimens from emergency department patients in mid-to-late 2023.
Physical effects of medetomidine include sedation, decreased heart rate and decreased blood pressure. Withdrawal symptoms include increased blood pressure and heart rate. Medetomidine is more potent than xylazine, a different sedative also found in illicit drug supplies.
Naloxone does not reverse the effects of medetomidine. WCHCS states naloxone should be administered during suspected overdoses to reverse the effects of opioids. Medical interventions for medetomidine include rescue breathing and oxygen.
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