Xylazine

Xylazine is a drug that is used as a sedative, analgesic, and muscle relaxant in many large animals such as horses, cattle and other non-human mammals. It is not approved for use in humans, but is often used illicitly for its sedative and analgesic effects.

History

Xylazine was first synthesized in the late 1960s by the pharmaceutical company Bayer AG. It was initially developed as a veterinary drug due to its sedative and analgesic properties. Over time, it has been used in a variety of large animals, including horses, cattle, and deer.

Pharmacology

Xylazine acts as an agonist at the α2 class of adrenergic receptor. These receptors are found in the brain and peripheral nervous system, and their activation leads to a decrease in sympathetic tone, heart rate, and blood pressure. Xylazine also acts as a potent analgesic and can provide pain relief comparable to that of opioids.

Illicit use

Despite not being approved for use in humans, xylazine has been found in samples of heroin and has been associated with cases of drug abuse and overdose. The drug is often used as a cutting agent due to its sedative and analgesic effects, which can enhance the effects of opioids.

Side effects

The side effects of xylazine are similar to those of other α2-adrenergic agonists and can include bradycardia, hypotension, respiratory depression, and sedation. In large animals, xylazine can also cause a significant decrease in gastrointestinal motility, which can lead to colic in horses.

See also

• List of veterinary drugs
• Drug abuse
• Opioid epidemic

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