Abuse of Xylazine by Human and its Emerging Problems: A Review from Forensic Perspective
https://doi.org/10.47836//mjmhs18.4.26
- Author:
Way Koon Teoh
1
;
Noor Zuhartini Md Muslim
1
;
Kah Haw Chang
1
;
Ahmad Fahmi Lim Abdullah
1
Author Information
1. Forensic Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Forensic Science, Xylazine, Drug Abuse, Drug Adulteration, Drug Facilitated Crime
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2022;18(No.4):190-201
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Xylazine is a sedative, analgesic and muscle relaxant widely applied in the veterinary field. However, owing to its
depressant effect, xylazine has become a substance of abuse by humans. Misuse of xylazine not only triggers unwanted consequences (death), but also linked with various crimes. Google Scholar, PubMed and SciFinder were
used to retrieve articles and case reports in relation to the misuses of xylazine and established analytical methods for
forensic investigation until November 2021. Literatures reported the accidental and intended poisoning of xylazine,
recreational use of xylazine and as an adulterant in recreational drugs. In addition to being a facilitator of crime and
sexual assault, it is administered illegally to food producing animals as a sedative and to sports animals as a doping
agent. Problems associated with the abuse of xylazine were highlighted in this review, covering the unknown prevalence of xylazine abuse and the need to revise the regulatory status of xylazine. In addition, limited screening and
confirmatory methods that can be readily utilised to detect xylazine either alone or simultaneously with other substances of abuse, particularly useful for forensic toxicology and narcotic section were available in the literature. As a
conventionally used veterinary drug, xylazine is undoubtedly a potentially hazardous drug, and the investigations on
its potential abuse would enhance routine forensic examination to keep pace with the status of illicit drugs.
- Full text:11.2022my1314.pdf
