Published on: February 13, 2026, 02:49h.
Updated on: February 13, 2026, 02:49h.
- Las Vegas health authorities confirm the presence of “rhino tranq” (medetomidine) in local drug samples
- This veterinary sedative is thought to be lethal at doses smaller than that of fentanyl and is unresponsive to Narcan
- Health experts caution that it depresses cardiac function, intensifying dangers when combined with fentanyl, which depresses respiratory function
A newly discovered illicit drug additive has surfaced in Las Vegas, posing a threat believed to surpass that of fentanyl. This week, health officials issued a cautionary alert stating that an exceptionally powerful veterinary sedative known as medetomidine (popularly termed “rhino tranq”) has been identified in five samples analyzed since last July.
Illustrative image of an illegal drug exchange. (Image: Shutterstock) Despite this detection, it constitutes merely 1% of the samples evaluated by the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) since September 2024—samples collected from used drug paraphernalia as part of a standard monitoring initiative. Currently, medetomidine has not been associated with any overdose fatalities in Las Vegas.
Nevertheless, officials emphasize the importance of this alert.
“This potent veterinary sedative—often found mixed with opioids such as fentanyl—can lead to significant sedation with unpredictable outcomes, thereby escalating the risk of severe injury or death,” stated SNHD spokesperson Cassius Lockett. “We encourage residents and healthcare providers to remain alert, utilize community overdose prevention resources, and seek immediate assistance if they suspect exposure.”
Additional symptoms may include low blood pressure, bradycardia, dizziness, extreme lethargy, breathlessness, nausea, visual disturbances, and confusion.
Originally detected in illegal drug supplies on the East Coast a few years prior, medetomidine is a legitimate sedative used for medical procedures and relocation of large animals like rhinos, elephants, and lions.
More Lethal than Fentanyl
As medetomidine is unauthorized for human application, no clinical trials have determined a specific lethal dose. However, toxicological reports and veterinary studies suggest that even minuscule amounts can be deadly to humans—sometimes under the 2 mg commonly noted for fentanyl.
Moreover, it is considered more hazardous than fentanyl for another reason. Medetomidine operates as an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, not an opioid, which means Narcan (naloxone) is ineffective in counteracting its effects. While fentanyl reduces respiration, medetomidine dims cardiac activity, creating a “perfect storm” of toxicity.
Additionally, medetomidine is 100–200 times more potent than the tranquilizer xylazine, also colloquially known as “tranq.”
If you believe someone has been exposed to medetomidine, call emergency services right away. Administer naloxone if opioids could be involved. (While it won’t counteract medetomidine, it can still help with any fentanyl present.) Ensure the person remains breathing, monitor their airway, and stay with them until medical help arrives.