Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative or tranquilizer. Xylazine is not approved for use in people. Xylazine is an extremely lipophilic compound with a half-life ranging from 23 to 50 minutes in various animal models (2). Its duration of action may be extended because of absorption and redistribution from adipose tissue. Xylazine ’s lipophilic nature and its action on various receptors underscore the risk for dangerous drug-drug interactions, especially with opioids such as the synthetic opioid fentanyl (11). Xylazine may mitigate noradrenergic withdrawal symptoms during acute use ... Increasing use of xylazine , most often in combi- nation with other drugs such as fentanyl, is a rapidly growing threat to human health in the United States. Xylazine is an α2-agonist in the same ... Xylazine is a drug used in veterinary medicine to sedate, relieve pain, and induce muscle relaxation in animals. It is also a common adulterant in illicit drug combinations, especially those containing opioids.
