Xylazine is an analogue of clonidine and an agonist at the α₂ class of adrenergic receptor. It is used for sedation, anesthesia, muscle relaxation, and analgesia in animals such as horses, cattle and other non-human mammals. Veterinarians also use xylazine as an emetic, especially in cats
It is because Xylazine causes intoxication in humans. In the literature there have been 43 cases of Xylazine intoxication in humans reported, half of which have resulted in death. You can read all about it here: Article Xylazine intoxication in humans and its importance as an eme...
Xylazine is marketed as a veterinary drug and used as a sedative, analgesic and muscle relaxant. In humans, that can cause central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, bradycardia, hypotension, and even death. According to researches 43 cases of xylazine intoxication in humans and half of which are resulted in death.
Over recent years xylazine has emerged as an adulterant in recreational drugs, such as heroin or speedball (a cocaine and heroin mixture).
Xylazine alone has proven harmful to humans and even more when it is combined with drugs of abuse.
Xylazine was first discovered as an antihypertensive agent in humans but has not been approved for human use because of serious adverse effects:
Greene SA, Thurmon JC. Xylazine – a review of its pharmacology and use in veterinary medicine. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 1988;11(4):295–313.
Xylazine has been used in veterinary medicine as a non-narcotic drug to provide sedation or as a pre-anesthetic drug in various animal species. Numerous cases of accidental or intentional poisoning, misuse of xylazine have been reported in humans. Doses of xylazine consumed in humans ranged from 40 to 2400 mg. Xylazine poisoning causes symptoms such as depression, bradycardia, hypotension, and respiratory depression, mainly due to stimulation of central and peripheral alpha 2 adrenergic receptors.
This drug can significantly lower blood pressure and negatively impact central nervous system function. It can decrease a person’s respiratory rate and heart rate to dangerously low levels. According to data from the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office, xylazine has been part of 31% of all unintentional overdose deaths where heroin or fentanyl was identified. Recent reports indicate that it is increasingly being mixed with illegal drugs, such as heroin, to increase the effects of the high. Xylazine is not a controlled substance and is often easy to obtain from a veterinarian. So, it has been highly recommended that veterinarians who use xylazine be vigilant of this new information and remain conscientious about its abuse potential to humans.
https://vetmed.illinois.edu/veterinary-drug-xylazine-linked-to-human-overdose-deaths/
Hi. Because it could cause central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, bradycardia, hypotension, and even death.
Xylazine is a partial alpha-2 adrenergic agonist with characteristics and toxic actions similar to the phenothiazines and clonidine. Xylazine in humans may have similarly sedative effects as in animals. However, it is not designed nor safe for human consumption. It causes hypotension, severe respiratory depression, bradycardia, a comatose state, and possibly death.
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