Xylazine
Xylazine is a clonidine analog used as a non-opioid tranquilizer in veterinary medicine and as an emetic, especially in cats. It acts as an agonist at α2 adrenoceptors; however, its affinity is lower than the one reported for other α2 adrenergic receptor agonists such as [detomidine] and [medetomidine]. Xylazine is not approved for human use and requires a veterinary licence for its purchase and use. The intentional and unintentional use of xylazine is a cause for concern due to its side effects. The use of xylazine can lead to hypotension and bradycardia, and when combined with central nervous system depressants, such as benzodiazepines or alcohol, it can significantly depress vital functions and increase the risk of overdose and death. Xylazine is sometimes used as an adulterant and combined with opioids and recreational drugs; however, it has no antidote, and the use of [naloxone] has no effect on xylazine.