Managing the Hospital Capacity Challenges of Medetomidine Withdrawal: A Retrospective Report of Dexmedetomidine Use in Intermediate Care Units.
OBJECTIVES Medetomidine, a veterinary alpha-2-adrenergic agonist, has emerged as a dominant adulterant in the Philadelphia illicit opioid supply, producing a severe withdrawal syndrome requiring significant inpatient support. We developed an intravenous dexmedetomidine protocol for intermediate care units (IMCU) and de...