Deadly New Sedative Found in Street Drugs Across 18 States; Experts Warn Naloxone Alone Cannot Reverse Its Effects

The CDC issued a Health Advisory on April 2, 2026 warning that medetomidine, a veterinary sedative, is now detected in fentanyl samples across 18 states and D.C. Detections rose 3,000% between 2023 and 2025. Naloxone does not reverse its effects, and withdrawal can cause life-threatening hypertension.