Ohio Issues Urgent Warning on Orphines and Veterinary Sedatives in Drug Supply

The Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC) issued two public safety bulletins on July 31, 2026, alerting Ohio residents to dangerous new substances appearing in the state's illicit drug supply. The warnings address two distinct but equally serious threats: orphines, a newly identified group of synthetic opioids, and veterinary sedatives (medetomidine and xylazine) that are increasingly being mixed with fentanyl and other drugs.

What Are Orphines?

Orphines represent a newly identified subgroup of new synthetic opioids (NSOs) that have emerged in Ohio's drug supply. These substances are designed to mimic the effects of controlled opioids like morphine and fentanyl, but they can be significantly more potent and unpredictable.

According to ONIC data, orphines were first encountered in Ohio in July 2025. Since then, crime laboratory testing has identified several specific compounds:

• N-Propionitrile Chlorphine (Cychlorphine)
• 5-Chloro-Desmethyl Chlorphine
• Spirochlorphine (R-6890)
• Spirobrorphine

Potency Comparison

The potency hierarchy of these substances, from most to least potent, is:

1. Nitazenes (some compounds up to 40 times more potent than fentanyl)
2. Orphines
3. Fentanyl
4. Morphine

While nitazenes and orphines represent a smaller portion of opioid encounters compared to fentanyl, their increased potency makes them particularly dangerous. These substances are frequently found in polydrug mixtures—combinations of two or more drugs in the same sample—often mixed with fentanyl, medetomidine, and xylazine.

Veterinary Sedatives: A Growing Concern

The second ONIC bulletin addresses the prevalence of medetomidine and xylazine in Ohio's drug supply. These synthetic veterinary sedatives are not approved for human use and can cause severe, life-threatening effects.

Key Differences Between Medetomidine and Xylazine

Drug traffickers adulterate drugs like fentanyl with these veterinary sedatives to enhance effects and extend their supply. However, combining respiratory depressive drugs (like fentanyl) with central nervous system depressants (like veterinary sedatives) significantly increases overdose risk.

Clinical Effects

Veterinary sedatives can cause:

• Severe sedation and unresponsiveness
• Respiratory depression
• Bradycardia (dangerously slow heart rate)
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Severe withdrawal symptoms requiring intensive care

Notably, medetomidine withdrawal can be severe, with as many as one-third of patients requiring intensive care management.

Why These Warnings Matter for Families

The drug landscape is constantly evolving, and the emergence of these substances makes an already dangerous situation even more unpredictable. Cynthia Peterman, Deputy Chief of Staff at the Ohio Department of Public Safety, emphasized: "People may think they are taking one substance, when it could be something else entirely—something much more dangerous and potentially fatal."

The Polydrug Problem

Laboratory testing in Ohio has identified complex mixtures including:

• Orphines + fentanyl + medetomidine + xylazine
• Medetomidine + cocaine + fentanyl
• Xylazine + fentanyl + cocaine + heroin

These combinations are particularly dangerous because:

1. Users may be unaware of what they're actually consuming
2. Standard overdose reversal may be complicated by non-opioid components
3. Emergency care becomes more complex when multiple substances are involved

What to Do in Case of Suspected Overdose

If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, follow these steps:

Immediate Actions

1. Call 911 immediately — Do not wait to see if symptoms improve
2. Administer naloxone — Naloxone is safe and should be used even if you're unsure what substances are involved
3. Stay with the person — Remain until emergency medical personnel arrive
4. Place in recovery position — If breathing, turn them on their side to prevent choking

Important Considerations

• Naloxone only reverses opioid effects — It will not counteract the sedative effects of medetomidine or xylazine
• Multiple doses may be needed — With potent synthetic opioids, more than one naloxone administration may be necessary
• Person may still appear intoxicated — Even after breathing is restored, other drugs may cause continued sedation
• Medical evaluation is essential — Anyone who receives naloxone should be transported to a hospital for evaluation

Harm Reduction Strategies

Carry Naloxone

Naloxone is available without prescription in Ohio and most states. You can obtain it:

• Through naloxone.ohio.gov — Free naloxone for individuals and organizations
• At most pharmacies without a prescription
• Through local harm reduction programs
• Via Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided With Naloxone) locations

Use Test Strips

Test strips for xylazine and other substances are available, though no test is 100% effective. These can provide some information about drug composition, but a negative result does not guarantee safety.

Never Use Alone

• Use in the presence of others who can respond if something goes wrong
• Consider using services like Never Use Alone
• Have naloxone readily accessible and ensure others know how to use it

Start Low, Go Slow

If using substances:

• Use a small amount first to test potency
• Wait to feel effects before using more
• Be aware that potency can vary dramatically between batches

Where to Get Help

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, help is available:

SAMHSA National Helpline

• Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• Available: 24/7, free, confidential
• Services: Treatment referral and information

Ohio-Specific Resources

• Ohio Department of Health: odh.ohio.gov
• Project DAWN: odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/project-dawn
• Free Naloxone: naloxone.ohio.gov

Treatment Locators

• FindTreatment.gov — SAMHSA's confidential treatment locator
• Call 211 in most areas for local resources

The Bottom Line

The emergence of orphines and the continued presence of veterinary sedatives in Ohio's drug supply represent a serious and evolving threat to public health. These substances make an already dangerous drug supply even more unpredictable, particularly when combined in polydrug mixtures.

For families, the key messages are:

• Naloxone saves lives — Carry it, know how to use it, and don't hesitate to administer it
• Call 911 — Every suspected overdose requires emergency medical attention
• Help is available — Treatment works, and recovery is possible

The Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center will continue monitoring these trends and providing updates as new information becomes available. Stay informed through official channels and prioritize safety in all circumstances.

This alert was medically reviewed by Dr. Rachel Bennett, MD, an addiction medicine physician. The information is current as of July 31, 2026, and is based on official bulletins from the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center.