CDC Warns About Dangerous 'Rhino Tranq' Drug Mix

The new street drug combines fentanyl with a powerful animal sedative that resists overdose reversal.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:12pm

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An extreme close-up, translucent X-ray photograph showing the internal structure of a syringe filled with a glowing, ghostly liquid substance, conceptually representing the dangerous and toxic nature of the 'rhino tranq' street drug.A ghostly X-ray image reveals the dangerous chemical composition of the deadly 'rhino tranq' street drug, a lethal combination of fentanyl and animal sedatives.Los Angeles Today

The CDC is issuing a warning about a dangerous new street drug called 'rhino tranq' that combines fentanyl with the animal sedative medetomidine. This mixture is proving to be even more lethal than fentanyl alone, as it does not respond effectively to the opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone. Health officials in Los Angeles County are urging the public and medical providers to be aware of this emerging threat.

Why it matters

The rise of 'rhino tranq' highlights the ongoing opioid crisis and the need for continued vigilance and harm reduction efforts. This new drug poses an even greater risk of overdose and death compared to fentanyl alone, and its resistance to naloxone makes it particularly dangerous. Understanding the threat of 'rhino tranq' is crucial for public health and safety.

The details

According to the CDC, 'rhino tranq' is a combination of fentanyl and the animal sedative medetomidine, also known as 'mede' or 'dex.' This mixture has been detected in seized drugs and wastewater samples, with the highest concentrations found in the Northeast. In Los Angeles County, fentanyl-related deaths have dropped 37% in 2024 compared to 2023, but health officials warn that 'rhino tranq' is now emerging as a new threat. The drug is more potent than the previous 'tranq' mix of fentanyl and xylazine, and it does not respond effectively to naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal medication.

  • The CDC issued a new warning about 'rhino tranq' on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
  • In Los Angeles County, fentanyl-related deaths dropped 37% in 2024 compared to 2023.

The players

CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a leading national public health institute in the United States.

Dr. Brian Hurley

The medical director of substance abuse prevention and control with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

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What they’re saying

“Can be dangerous when people use it, because it can increase the rate of overdose, it can increase the rate of low blood pressure and other cardiovascular complications.”

— Dr. Brian Hurley, Medical Director of Substance Abuse Prevention and Control, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

“Medetomidine is actually more potent than xylazine is, and they both seem to be associated with increased risk of overdose.”

— Dr. Brian Hurley, Medical Director of Substance Abuse Prevention and Control, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

“Naloxone doesn't address medetomidine intoxication, nor does it touch medetomidine withdrawal. So, that's why people will need other supportive care.”

— Dr. Brian Hurley, Medical Director of Substance Abuse Prevention and Control, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

What’s next

Health officials in Los Angeles County are urging the public and medical providers to be aware of the threat of 'rhino tranq' and to take steps to prevent and respond to overdoses, including having naloxone on hand and using fentanyl test strips.

The takeaway

The emergence of 'rhino tranq,' a dangerous mix of fentanyl and the animal sedative medetomidine, highlights the ongoing opioid crisis and the need for continued vigilance and harm reduction efforts. This new drug poses an even greater risk of overdose and death compared to fentanyl alone, and its resistance to naloxone makes it particularly deadly. Understanding and addressing the threat of 'rhino tranq' is crucial for public health and safety.