Xylazine: What Legal and Public Health Professionals Need to Know

The drug xylazine has been in the news recently as a dangerous substance commonly mixed with heroin, fentanyl, and other drugs. Xylazine is not an opioid nor is it currently a controlled substance, which presents unique challenges for legal and public health professionals. This post, co-written by SOG faculty members Kirsten Leloudis and Phil Dixon, examines the legal and public health issues surrounding the drug. What is Xylazine? Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative or tranquilizer that was first developed in 1962 by the pharmaceutical company Bayer. Xylazine was initially investigated for potential human use as an analgesic, sleeping aid, and anesthetic but was found to have concerning side effects, including severe hypotension and depression of the central nervous system. While xylazine never received approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for use in humans, the drug has been approved by the FDA for use in veterinary medicine since 1972. Xylazine in liquid solution form is sold for veterinary use under the trade names Rompun® and AnaSed®. Xylazine may also be referred to by its slang nickname, “tranq.” Xylazine is typically injected but can also be swallowed or sniffed. Although xylazine can be taken on its own, it is more frequently mixed with fentanyl, heroin, or cocaine. The drug is relatively inexpensive and is often combined with these pricier substances as a low-cost way to increase drug effects or increase dealers’ profits from substances that are typically sold by weight. Because the “cutting” of more expensive drugs with xylazine [...]