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Xylazine: Clinical Management and Harm Reduction Strategies for Patients
FACT SHEET Xylazine Clinical Management and Harm Reduction Strategies for Patients Xylazine, also called “tranq” or “tranq dope,” is a nonopioid sedative and tranquilizer. Xylazine has been increasingly found in the illegal drug supply in the United States and has been involved in overdose deaths.1 Although not a controlled substance, xylazine is not approved for use in humans and can be life threatening, especially when combined with opioids like fentanyl.2 The White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy has declared fentanyl mixed with xylazine to be an emerging threat.3 Adverse Effects Xylazine-involved overdose symptoms include the following: • Central nervous system (CNS) depression • Respiratory depression • Bradycardia • Hypotension • Constricted pupils • Hyperglycemia Exposure • Xylazine is often mixed with illegal drugs like cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, either to enhance effects or increase the drugs’ weight (which increases their illegal value).4,5 • People who use illegal drugs may not be aware that their drugs contain xylazine. Growing Role in Overdose Deaths • In drugs tested in labs, the presence of xylazine increased in every region of the United States from 2020-2021, with the most significant increase in the South.6 • In a recent CDC study spanning 20 states and Washington D.C., the monthly percentage of deaths involving illegally made fentanyl (IMF) with xylazine increased from 3% in January 2019 to 11% in June 2022. • Additionally, from January 2021 through June 2022, xylazine was found in a higher percentage of IMFinvolved deaths in the Northeastern U.S. than in other regions.7 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Injury Prevention and Control www.cdc.gov/opioids

Xylazine: Clinical Management and Harm Reduction Strategies for Patients

This fact sheet is intended to guide healthcare professionals on the clinical management of Xylazine use and harm reduction strategies for their patients.