Medetomidine Resources
Plain language summary of community drug checking alerts and other information for the community
Network 1 MTS and NTS Validation Study and Training Initiatives Webpage
​A spring 2025 evaluation across 12 New England drug checking sites assessed the real-world accuracy, reliability, and implementation considerations of BTNX medetomidine and nitazene test strips and showed strong sensitivity and specificity, leading to the MTS/NTS implementation and Training Initiative Project to supply New England harm reduction sites with MTS and NTS, standardized tools, and multilingual training to strengthen accurate, consistent drug checking for emerging substances in community settings.
Massachusetts Test Strip Dashboard
An interactive dashboard tracking the real-world sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of medetomidine (and other) test strips used in Massachusetts drug checking programs. It also includes plain-language definitions, methodology notes, and links to trusted purchasing resources, etc.​
A one pager with information for first responders describing medetomidine, what to look out for with exposure, effects, and harm reduction resources.
Full recording of the live virtual training session delivered to participating sites. Covers strip handling, dilutions, common errors, training recommendations, etc.
A printable, standardized workspace placemat guide (11x17”) including step-by-step instructions, recommended dilutions, visual reminders for sample preparation, and a designated area to place test strips for easy photographing of results.
Slide deck used for virtual and in-person training sessions. Topics include validation study findings, sample preparation and dilution best practices, interpretation of results, cross-reactivity considerations, workflow integration and peer training guidance.
Above are a variety of resources related to medetomidine, a synthetic veterinary tranquilizer that has increasingly been identified in the dope/heroin/fentanyl supply across Massachusetts and nationwide. First identified in Maryland’s unregulated drug supply in 2022, medetomidine has since been reported in clusters in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Chicago, with additional detections across multiple states.
It is in the same drug family as xylazine but is significantly more potent and longer lasting, and is associated with profound sedation, respiratory depression, low heart rate, low blood pressure, and hallucinations. Of particular concern, medetomidine is associated with a severe and potentially life-threatening withdrawal syndrome characterized by extreme tachycardia (fast heart rate), high blood pressure, seizures, altered mental status, and prolonged instability, often requiring ICU-level care.
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