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Scott, Hanbidge to introduce bill classifying medetomidine a Schedule III drug

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    May 13, 2026 | 11:09 AM

HARRISBURG, May 13 – State Reps. Greg Scott and Liz Hanbidge, both D-Montgomery, today announced their intent to introduce legislation that would classify the veterinary medicine medetomidine as a Schedule III controlled substance.

Medetomidine is a non-opioid sedative used by veterinarians. It is not approved for use in people. But data now shows that up to 80 percent of fentanyl samples tested in Pennsylvania contain it, increasing the risk of overdose for people who illegally use fentanyl.

“We are already losing too many people to the nationwide opioid epidemic,” said Scott. “When sedatives like medetomidine and xylazine are added to fentanyl, we’re positioned to lose even more. We’re introducing this bill with the knowledge that when xylazine became a Schedule III drug, its use in fentanyl sharply declined. We hope to see the same effect on medetomidine.”

According to Scott, a concern with medetomidine is that its sedative effects do not wear off if the overdose-reversing drug naloxone is used – though the lawmakers caution that in any suspected opioid overdose, naloxone should still be administered.

“Medetomidine is making an already deadly drug crisis even more dangerous, and Pennsylvania cannot afford to wait to address this growing threat,” said Hanbidge. “By classifying medetomidine as a Schedule III controlled substance, we can help curb its spread in the illicit drug supply while ensuring veterinarians can continue using it for legitimate animal care. After Pennsylvania took action on xylazine through Act 17 (of 2024), we saw a decline in its presence in street drugs. This legislation takes the same proactive, commonsense approach to protect public health, support first responders, and help save lives.”

Classifying medetomidine as a Schedule III drug would still allow veterinarians to legally use the medicine for treating animals. The classification would require stricter storage by veterinary facilities.

This bill is a companion to S.B. 866.