Xylazine | The JHI

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Xylazine

Found in:  

Cocaine, Fentanyl, also sold as pure substance

Type/Reason added:  

Veterinary Tranquilizer

Relative Potency:  

n/a

Overview

The Effects

Treatment Options

Routes of Administration and Effects

Administration:

Typically IV injection, often in combination with other drugs (27), but can also be injected IM, insufflated, ingested, or smoked, depending on the substance it is mixed with. (28)

Dosage and Effects:

Primary Effects: Deep sedation, muscle relaxation, decreased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and analgesia. Unlike opioids, it does not significantly produce euphoria. It acts similarly to clonidine or dexmedetomidine, but in combination with opioids, it can produce a dangerously prolonged state of unconsciousness.

Adverse Effects: Xylazine intoxication presents with a characteristic constellation of signs and symptoms affecting the central nervous system (CNS), respiratory system, and cardiovascular system. Clinical manifestations may include euphoria (initial high), sedation, xerostomia (dry mouth), slurred speech (dysarthria), diminished reflexes (hyporeflexia), incoordination (ataxia), weakness (asthenia), disorientation, impaired coordination (dysmetria), pinpoint pupils (miosis), premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), abnormal blood pressure regulation (hypotension or hypertension), slow heart rate (bradycardia) or rapid heart rate (tachycardia), hypothermia, and hyperglycemia. (27–29)

Information Regarding the Substance

Physical Description:

Pharmaceutically, xylazine is a clear, colorless solution. In illicit settings, powders or solutions containing xylazine are often adulterated and may appear cloudy or discolored depending on impurities.

Side Effects:

Common: Heavy sedation, drowsiness, decreased responsiveness, slowed breathing, and impaired coordination. On its own, it can cause lightheadedness, dry mouth, and lowered body temperature.

Severe: Coma, profound respiratory failure, dangerously low blood pressure (shock), cardiac arrest, and death. Chronic use can lead to severe skin infections and ulcerations, sometimes requiring amputation.