Medical History Mysteries: A new street drug—xylazine

May 24, 2022

Xylazine is being found more and more in doses of fentanyl and heroin to amplify their effects. Here’s what dental professionals need to know about this new street drug.

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

Tom Viola, RPh, CCP

Welcome to Medical History Mysteries, where we dissect our patients’ medical histories and figure out how best to treat them from the dental chair.

There’s a new street drug out there that we need to be aware of—xylazine (known as tranq dope on the street). Xylazine is a new, old drug. It’s a veterinary tranquilizer that was originally invented as a tranquilizer for humans as well.

Today, xylazine is used to heighten the effects of opioids and other central nervous system depressants and stimulants. It’s being found more often in doses of fentanyl and heroin to amplify their effects.

Join us in this episode of Medical History Mysteries as we talk about how xylazine is taken, the risks, special dental considerations, and ways to educate our patients.

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Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Through the Loupes newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe to Through the Loupes.

About the Author

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of DentistryIQ and editorial co-director of Through the Loupes. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].

About the Author

Tom Viola, RPh, CCP

With more than 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker, and published author, Tom Viola, RPh, CCP, has earned the reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for dental teams. He is the founder of Pharmacology Declassified and is a member of the faculty of more than 10 dental professional degree programs. Viola has contributed to several professional journals and pharmacology textbooks, and currently serves as a consultant to the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs.