Medetomidine palm card
**Updated January 2026
Medetomidine, or “rhino tranq,” is a veterinary sedative that is stronger than xylazine.
Medetomidine has been found in most of the dope samples in Philly. The amount of the drug varies across samples.
Medetomidine can cause deep sleep or sleepiness for a long time, low blood pressure, and low heart rate.
Medetomidine withdrawal can start quickly and be very serious. Sometimes people need to go to the hospital.
Medetomidine withdrawal can cause:
a very fast heartbeat
very high blood pressure
going in and out of responding or being aware even while awake
heavy sweating
shaking or twitching
anxiety and restlessness
Signs to go to the hospital:
can’t stop throwing up
have chest pain
going in and out of responding or being aware, even while awake
otherwise experiencing more severe withdrawal symptoms than usual
Guidance for healthcare providers treating medetomidine withdrawal
Treating medetomidine withdrawal requires treating fentanyl withdrawal with long-acting opioid agonists like methadone and using adjunctive medications such as:
clonidine
guanfacine
tizanidine
dexmedetomidine
ketamine
olanzapine
hydroxyzine
benzodiazepines
prochlorperazine
chlorpromazine
Find current treatment guidance for medetomidine withdrawal from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health at: SubstanceUsePhilly.com/medetomidine
This card was created in June 2025. Check SubstanceUsePhilly.com for up-to-date treatment info.