Drug Glossary
To access SUPHR’s drug glossary, which includes definitions of all drugs detected in Philadelphia’s drug supply through SUPHR’s drug checking program, please click the button below.
| Substance | Description | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Fluoro-2-oxo-PCE | 2-Fluoro-2-oxo-PCE (2F-2oxo-PCE, 2FNENDCK, CanKet, 2-FXE) is a synthetic dissociative anesthetic related to ketamine. Effects include dissociation, hallucinations, and euphoria. Overdose risks include hyperthermia, dehydration, seizures, serotonin syndrome, and cardiac symptoms. | Parent |
| 4-Aminoantipyrine | 4-Aminoantipyrine is a metabolite of aminopyrine and metamizole (dipyrone). It may contribute to analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. | |
| Acetaminophen | Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an over-the-counter pain reliever. It is sometimes added to drugs as a cutting agent because it is inexpensive and widely available. | Parent |
| Acetylcodeine | Acetylcodeine is a synthetic byproduct of codeine. It is not typically used as a drug on its own and is less potent than heroin or codeine. Acetylcodeine is often found in heroin and serves as an indicator of heroin production because it forms when morphine is acetylated to make heroin. | Byproduct |
| Acetylfentanyl | Acetylfentanyl is an illicit fentanyl analog that is 30 percent less potent than fentanyl. It is associated with pain relief, euphoria, and sedation. Overdose signs include slowed breathing, difficulty waking up, stiffened body, cold and clammy skin, blue or grey lips, fingertips, and skin. Acetylfentanyl overdoses respond to naloxone. | Parent |
| Amphetamine | Amphetamine is a prescription stimulant used to treat ADHD. It increases central nervous system activity, promoting alertness, focus, and sometimes euphoria. Overdose ("overamping") may cause high heart rate, high blood pressure, anxiety, agitation, and heart rhythm problems, especially with other substances. | ClassParent |
| Antidepressants | Antidepressants are a class of medications prescribed for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Side effects vary by class but are generally minimal when taken as prescribed. Antidepressants detected in Philadelphia's drug supply include bupropion, trazodone, and mirtazapine. | Class |
| Antipsychotics | Antipsychotics are a class of medications used to treat mood disorders and other psychiatric conditions. Side effects exist but are generally safe at prescribed doses. Antipsychotics detected in Philadelphia's drug supply include phenothiazine and quetiapine. | Class |
| Azaperone | Azaperone, a veterinary sedative, was first detected in Philadelphia's drug supply in trace amounts in December 2025. It is associated with sedation and, at higher doses, low blood pressure, slow breathing, or movement disorders. | Parent |
| Benzyl Benzoate | Benzyl benzoate is an organic compound used topically to treat scabies and lice infestations. It also has various industrial and cosmetic applications, including as a solvent, plasticizer, and fragrance ingredient. | Parent |
| Bromazolam | Bromazolam is a novel, or designer, benzodiazepine. Novel benzodiazepines are synthetically produced benzodiazepines that are not approved for medical use and are often manufactured illicitly. They may cause drowsiness, muscle relaxation, respiratory depression, and sedation. | Parent |
| BTMPS (Tinuvin 770) | BTMPS (Tinuvin 770) is an industrial chemical not approved for human use. It has been found in Philadelphia's dope supply with fentanyl since June 2024. | Parent |
| Caffeine | Caffeine is a stimulant that increases alertness and may also cause restlessness and agitation. Caffeine is sometimes added to stimulant drugs as an inexpensive cutting agent to add product volume and to enhance stimulant effects. | Parent |
| Cannabinoid Precursors & Nonactive Compounds | Cannabinoid precursors and nonactive compounds are natural compounds in cannabis that are precursors to THC and CBD. They are non-psychoactive. Cannabinoid precursors and nonactive compounds detected in Philadelphia's drug supply include cannabigerol and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. | Precursor |
| Cannabinol (CBN) | Cannabinol (CBN) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis. It is produced primarily as THC degrades over time. CBN is mildly psychoactive at high doses but significantly weaker than THC and does not produce a typical cannabis high. | |
| Cannabidiol (CBD) | Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis. CBD is non-psychoactive and does not produce a typical cannabis high. | — |
| Carfentanil | Carfentanil is an illicit fentanyl analog about 100 times more potent than fentanyl. It is used in veterinary medicine as a sedative for large animals. In humans, it is associated with extreme sedation and euphoria. Overdose signs include slowed breathing, difficulty waking up, stiffened body, cold and clammy skin, and blue or grey lips, fingertips, and skin. Carfentanil overdoses respond to naloxone. | Parent |
| Cocaine | Cocaine, a stimulant derived from coca leaves, is the most common stimulant in Philadelphia's drug supply. Stimulants increase activity in the body's central nervous system. It is associated with alertness, focus, and euphoria. "Crack" is cocaine cooked with baking soda to make "rocks" that can be smoked. Overdose signs (known as "overamping") include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, high body temperature, panic, paranoia, and hallucinations. | Parent |
| Cocaine Metabolites | Cocaine metabolites are chemical byproducts produced by the body when processing cocaine, and due to contamination, sample degradation, or moisture exposure, which may cause cocaine to break down. They are not active drugs and do not produce effects on their own. Cocaine metabolites detected in Philadelphia's drug supply include norcocaine, benzoylecgonine, and anhydroecgonine methyl ester. | Byproduct |
| Codeine | Codeine is an active opiate alkaloid found in opium and a prescription opioid analgesic used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is about 85 to 90 percent less potent than morphine. Since it naturally occurs in opium, it is sometimes found in heroin or other less-refined opium products. Overdose signs include slowed breathing, difficulty waking up, stiffened body, cold and clammy skin, and blue or grey lips, fingertips, and skin. Codeine overdoses respond to naloxone. | ParentByproduct |
| Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol | Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8-THC) is a psychoactive compound found in cannabis. While similar to Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Delta-8-THC may result in effects similar to those of THC. | — |
| Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol | Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. The effects of THC range from euphoric and relaxed to anxious and paranoid. | Parent |
| Dextromethorphan | Dextromethorphan (DXM) is an antitussive found in over-the-counter cold medications. High doses can cause dissociative effects. Overdose may produce agitation, hyperthermia, serotonin syndrome, seizures, or respiratory depression. | Parent |
| Dimethocaine | Dimethocaine is a synthetic stimulant and local anesthetic. It is not approved for medical use in the U.S. and is similar but less potent than cocaine. It is associated with numbing, alertness, and euphoria. Overdose symptoms (known as "overamping") include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, anxiety, agitation, and heart rhythm problems, especially when mixed with other drugs. | Parent |
| Dimethyl Sulfone | Dimethyl sulfone (MSM) is an over-the-counter nutritional supplement. It is commonly used as a cutting agent to increase volume and mimic the crystalline appearance of methamphetamine. Dimethyl sulfone can cause stomach upset, skin rashes, and allergic reactions. | Parent |
| Dimethylamphetamine | Dimethylmethamphetamine is a stimulant and sometimes found as an impurity in illicit drugs. It increases CNS activity and can produce alertness, focus, and euphoria. Overdose may cause high heart rate, high blood pressure, hyperthermia, panic, paranoia, and hallucinations. | Byproduct |
| Diphenhydramine | Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an over-the-counter allergy medication. It is sometimes added to illicit drugs as a cutting agent because it is widely available and causes sedation. When used with opioids, it may increase sedation and risk of overdose. | Parent |
| Fentanyl | Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that has largely replaced heroin in the Philadelphia drug supply and is 50 times more powerful. It is associated with pain relief and euphoria. Overdose signs include slowed breathing, difficulty waking up, stiffened body, cold and clammy skin, and blue or grey lips, fingertips, and skin. Fentanyl overdoses respond to naloxone. | Parent |
| Fentanyl Primary Precursors | Fentanyl primary precursors are chemical precursors of fentanyl synthesis. They are generally not psychoactive. Their presence in drug samples most often reflects unregulated or incomplete fentanyl manufacturing processes. Fentanyl primary precursors detected in Philadelphia's drug supply include 4-ANPP, norfentanyl, and benzylfentanyl. | Precursor |
| Fentanyl Byproducts and Impurities | Fentanyl byproducts and impurities are chemical analogs, related byproducts, or contaminants of fentanyl synthesis. They are generally not psychoactive. Their presence in drug samples most often reflects unregulated or incomplete fentanyl manufacturing processes, degradation, or contamination. Fentanyl byproducts and impurities detected in Philadelphia's drug supply include bromo 4-ANPP, chloro-4-ANPP, ethyl-4-ANPP, fentanyl methyl carbamate, N-boc norfentanyl, N-formyl-4-ANPP, ortho-methyl-4-ANPP, ortho-methylfentanyl, para-fluoro-4-ANPP, para-fluoro-phenethyl-4-ANPP, phenethyl-4-ANPP, and tetramethyl-4-AP. | |
| Despropionyl Carfentanil | Despropionyl carfentanil is a chemical precursor of carfentanil. It is non-psychoactive. Its presence in drug samples likely reflects impurities found in carfentanil preparations. | Precursor |
| Gabapentin | Gabapentin (Neurontin) is a prescription anticonvulsant used for epilepsy and nerve pain. It is sometimes misused for sedation or to enhance other substances. Overdose may cause low blood pressure, dizziness, or severe drowsiness. | Parent |
| Heroin | Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid made from morphine. Heroin has largely been replaced by fentanyl in the Philadelphia drug supply. It is associated with pain relief and euphoria. Overdose signs include slowed breathing, difficulty waking up, stiffened body, cold and clammy skin, and blue or grey lips, fingertips, and skin. Heroin overdoses respond to naloxone. | Parent |
| Heroin Metabolites | Heroin metabolites are chemical byproducts produced by the body when processing heroin or due to contamination, sample degradation, or moisture exposure that may cause heroin to break down. They are active and account for most of heroin's effects. Heroin metabolites detected in Philadelphia's drug supply include morphine, 6-monoacetylmorphine, and 3-monoacetylmorphine. | |
| Hydroxyzine | Hydroxyzine is a prescription antihistamine for allergies and anxiety. High doses can cause sedation, stupor, or convulsions. | Parent |
| Ketamine | Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic used in both human and veterinary medicine. At high doses, it can cause hallucinations, dissociation, and altered perception. | Parent |
| Ketamine Precursor A (Ketamine Hydroxylimine) | Ketamine Precursor A (ketamine hydroxylimine) is a non-psychoactive chemical used in ketamine synthesis that has been detected in Philadelphia's drug supply. | Precursor |
| Levamisole | Levamisole is a veterinary anti-parasitic sometimes found as an adulterant in cocaine. Exposure can cause agranulocytosis and neutropenia. | ParentContaminant |
| Local Anesthetics | Local anesthetics are often added to drugs to increase bulk or mimic the numbing effects. On their own, they are associated with feelings of analgesia. Fentanyl overdoses involving local anesthetics may present with numbness, bradycardia, hypotension, lightheadedness, confusion, acute anxiety, methemoglobinemia, respiratory depression, and seizures. Local anesthetics detected in Philadelphia's drug supply include lidocaine, procaine, benzocaine, tetracaine, articaine, and bupivacaine. | Parent |
| LSD | LSD (acid) is a semi-synthetic hallucinogen derived from ergot fungus. It can produce vivid visual and auditory hallucinations. Effects range from euphoria to anxiety or psychological distress. | Parent |
| MDMA | MDMA (Molly, Ecstasy) is a stimulant and entactogen that is associated with euphoria and heightened sensory experiences. Overdose symptoms (or "overamping") include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and high body temperature (or "overheating"), mainly when used in combination with other stimulants. | Parent |
| Medetomidine | Medetomidine, a veterinary sedative 100-200 times more potent than xylazine, is a common adulterant in Philadelphia's dope supply. It is associated with extreme drowsiness, slowed heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and severe withdrawal symptoms that can require an intensive level of care. Philadelphia has seen an increase in the detection of medetomidine, as the number of drug samples detecting xylazine has decreased. | Parent |
| Melatonin | Melatonin is a hormone from the pineal gland that regulates circadian rhythms. Supplements may cause drowsiness. | Parent |
| Metamizole | Metamizole is an analgesic and antipyretic. Not approved in the U.S. due to rare but serious risks, including agranulocytosis. | Parent |
| Methadone | Methadone is a long-acting prescription opioid for opioid use disorder. Taken as prescribed, it is safe. Overdose can cause slowed breathing, unresponsiveness, cold/clammy skin, and blue lips or fingertips; it responds to naloxone. | Parent |
| Methamphetamine | Methamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant that increases activity in the body's central nervous system. It is associated with alertness, focus, and euphoria. Overdose signs (known as "overamping") include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, high body temperature, panic, paranoia, and hallucinations. | Parent |
| Methylmethcathinone (MMC) | Methylmethcathinone (MMC) is a novel stimulant. Novel stimulants, including methylmethcathinone, may cause psychoactive effects similar to those of amphetamines. | — |
| Mitragynine | Mitragynine is the main psychoactive alkaloid in kratom (Mitragyna speciosa). It produces analgesic effects. Overdose may cause agitation, fast heart rate, high blood pressure, and seizures. Naloxone may have limited effect. Legal status varies by state. | Parent |
| N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) | N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) is the active ingredient in many widely-used insect repellents. It is not psychoactive. | Parent |
| Nefopam | Nefopam (Acupan) is a prescription non-opioid analgesic prescribed for pain management. Nefopam is most commonly used to treat post-surgical pain. | — |
| Nicotine | Nicotine is a stimulant in tobacco products. It may increase blood pressure, heart rate, and cause peripheral vasoconstriction. | Parent |
| Nitazenes | Nitazenes are a class of synthetic opioids. Nitazenes can be up to 40 times more potent than fentanyl and up to 500 times more potent than morphine. They are associated with pain relief and euphoria. Overdose symptoms include slow breathing, difficulty waking up, stiffened body, cold and clammy skin, and blue or grey lips, fingertips, and other parts of the body. Nitazene overdoses respond to naloxone. Nitazenes detected in Philadelphia's drug supply include metonitazene, N-Pyrrolidino Protonitazene, and N-Pyrrolidino Metonitazene. | Parent |
| Nonactive Opium Alkaloids | Nonactive opium alkaloids are naturally occurring compounds found in the opium poppy. They are not opioid receptor agonists and do not produce typical opioid effects. Their presence signals that the sample includes substances made from natural opium. Nonactive opium alkaloids detected in Philadelphia's drug supply include papaverine and noscapine. | Byproduct |
| Oxycodone | Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet) is a prescription opioid medication. Counterfeit oxycodone pills are common in the illicit drug market. It is associated with pain relief and euphoria. Overdose symptoms include slowed breathing, difficulty waking up, stiffened body, cold and clammy skin, and blue or grey lips, fingertips, and other areas of the skin. Oxycodone overdoses respond to naloxone. | Parent |
| Parabens | Parabens are preservatives used in foods, cosmetics, and other products. Mostly manufactured; non-psychoactive. Parabens detected in Philadelphia's drug supply include methylparaben and propylparaben. | Contaminant |
| Para-fluorofentanyl | Para-fluorofentanyl is an illicit fentanyl analog that is 25-40 percent less potent than fentanyl. It is associated with pain relief, euphoria, and sedation. Overdose signs include slowed breathing, difficulty waking up, stiffened body, cold and clammy skin, and blue or grey lips, fingertips, and skin. Para-fluorofentanyl overdoses respond to naloxone. | Parent |
| PCP | PCP (phencyclidine) is a dissociative anesthetic. It may cause detachment, altered perception, euphoria, and reduced pain sensitivity. High doses can produce increased heart rate, high blood pressure, hallucinations, and severe agitation. | Parent |
| Pentobarbital | Pentobarbital is a barbiturate used for sedation, anesthesia, and anticonvulsant therapy. Overdose may cause drowsiness, confusion, and slow or shallow breathing. | Parent |
| Phenacetin | Phenacetin was an over-the-counter analgesic removed from the U.S. market due to carcinogenicity. It is sometimes used to adulterate illicit drugs like cocaine. Overdose can cause shortness of breath, cyanosis, and confusion. | Parent |
| Phenazolam | Phenazolam (Clobromazolam) is an illicit benzodiazepine. It is not approved for medical use in the U.S. or elsewhere. It is associated with sedation and euphoria. Overdose symptoms include extreme sleepiness, confusion, slurred speech, poor coordination, and slow breathing. | Parent |
| Phentermine | Phentermine is a prescription appetite suppressant. It is a stimulant that can increase heart rate and blood pressure. | Parent |
| Quinine | Quinine is a prescription anti-malaria drug sometimes used as a cutting agent in the illicit drug supply. It can cause irregular heartbeat, hearing or vision problems, dizziness, headache, nausea, and, at high doses, kidney failure or severe cardiac effects. | Parent |
| Synthetic Cannabinoids | Synthetic cannabinoids are artificial chemicals that act on the same brain cell receptors as THC. Hundreds of different synthetic cannabinoid structures are manufactured. They can be dangerous and may cause confusion, dizziness, loss of coordination, seizures, hallucinations, high heart rate, high blood pressure, chest pain, nausea, and kidney failure. Synthetic cannabinoids detected in Philadelphia's drug supply include 5-fluoro-ADB, MDMB-4en-PINACA, MDMB-BUTINACA, MDMB-INACA, ADB-BINACA, and THC-O Acetate. | Class |
| Tadalafil | Tadalafil (Cialis) is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor typically prescribed for erectile dysfunction. It can increase the risk of heart and blood pressure problems. | Parent |
| Testosterone | Testosterone is a natural sex hormone. Synthetic forms are prescribed for medical use, such as testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone compounds found in Philadelphia's drug supply include testosterone cypionate, testosterone isocaproate, testosterone phenylpropionate, and testosterone propionate. | Parent |
| Tetramethyl-4-piperidinol | Tetramethyl-4-piperidinol is an industrial chemical sometimes linked to the synthesis of fentanyl-related substances. Not psychoactive. | Byproduct |
| Tetramethylnorfentanyl (TMNF) | Tetramethylnorfentanyl (TMNF) is an emerging, non-medically approved, fentanyl-related substance that has been detected in the illicit drug supply, often alongside fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. It is considered a byproduct or analog associated with the use of the novel, non-drug industrial chemical BTMPS as a cutting agent or precursor. | Byproduct |
| Theobromine | Theobromine is a mild stimulant in cacao and chocolate, less potent than caffeine. Sometimes used as a cutting agent in stimulants. | Parent |
| Theophylline | Theophylline is a methylxanthine stimulant from tea, bronchodilator and mild CNS stimulant. Sometimes present in stimulant mixtures. | Parent |
| Tianeptine | Tianeptine (tianaa, gas station heroin) is an atypical tricyclic antidepressant with opioid agonist properties. Tianeptine is used as an antidepressant in other countries but is unregulated in the United States. Tianeptine use is associated with feelings of euphoria. Symptoms of tianeptine overdose mirror those of an opioid overdose and respond to naloxone. | Parent |
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