Southern Nevada Health District detects medetomidine in illicit drug supply
Resources available to the community for overdose prevention
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 11, 2026
LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District has identified medetomidine—a veterinary sedative also known as “rhino tranq”—in the local illicit drug supply through its community drug surveillance program, which anonymously samples used drug paraphernalia. While medetomidine use has not been widely reported in Nevada, the Health District has confirmed five positive samples since July 1, 2025, representing less than 1% of all samples collected since September 2024.
Medetomidine is a veterinary sedative, similar to xylazine (“tranq”), that is 100 to 200 times more potent than xylazine and can cause longer-lasting sedation, low heart rate and more severe withdrawal symptoms. It is not an opioid but has been found in the local illicit drug supply, most often in combination with fentanyl.
“The detection of medetomidine in our local illicit drug supply is a serious and evolving public health concern,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Health District. “This potent veterinary sedative—often mixed with opioids like fentanyl—can cause profound sedation and unpredictable effects, increasing the risk of severe harm or death. We are urging residents and health care providers to stay informed, access community overdose prevention resources, and seek help immediately if they suspect exposure.”
Clark County overdose surveillance data from September 2024 to August 2025 indicate a 50% increase in fentanyl deaths (from 0.8 deaths per 100,000 population to 1.2 deaths per 100,000) and an increase of almost 42% in methamphetamine-involved deaths (from 1.08 per 100,000 population to 1.53 per 100,000). Thus far, medetomidine has not been implicated in any overdose deaths in Clark County.
Symptoms and overdose
Medetomidine primarily causes profound sedation but may also lead to low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, dizziness, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, blurred vision and confusion. Because of its strong sedative effects, a person who has overdosed on a drug containing medetomidine may remain sedated and unresponsive after naloxone is administered, even if the opioid component of the overdose is successfully reversed. When responding to a suspected overdose, it is critical to prioritize breathing over responsiveness by ensuring the person takes at least one breath every five seconds and does not appear pale, gray or blue. It is also essential to call 9-1-1 immediately.
Overdose prevention practices can help prevent overdose deaths. The Health District currently provides test strips for both fentanyl and xylazine without a prescription at the pharmacy at its Main Public Health Center located at 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107. Additional distribution locations for test strips can be found at Substance Use Dashboard.
Medetomidine is not an opioid, and naloxone (Narcan®) will not reverse the effects of a medetomidine overdose. However, as medetomidine is found in substance mixtures containing fentanyl, it is important to use overdose response protocol. Call 9-1-1 for further medical evaluation and administer naloxone in response to any suspected overdose to reverse possible opioid effects. More tips on overdose response are available at 6 Things to Know about Overdose Response.
To learn more about medetomidine, go to Medetomidine Fast Facts. People who are using substances, or their loved ones, can obtain more information about support and resources from the Southern Nevada Health District Post Overdose Team website.
The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.