Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility House Committee advances bill classifying medetomidine a Schedule III drug

House Committee advances bill classifying medetomidine a Schedule III drug

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    June 9, 2026 | 3:37 PM

HARRISBURG, June 9 – State Reps. Greg Scott and Liz Hanbidge, both D-Montgomery, today announced the Pa. House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee advanced their bill (H.B. 2529) 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.

“Today’s vote is an important first step in getting control of medetomidine’s use in the illegal drug market,” said Scott. “Too many lives are lost to opioids as it is. We don’t need these animal sedatives added to the mix and making it harder to reverse overdoses.”

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.

In 2024, Pennsylvania designated another sedative drug, xylazine, a Schedule III controlled substance. In response, the use of xylazine in street drugs declined. The representatives hope repeating this tactic with medetomidine will have the same impact.

“The growing presence of medetomidine in the illicit drug supply poses a serious threat to Pennsylvanians. Advancing this legislation out of committee is an important step toward confronting that danger and protecting lives,” said Hanbidge. “I am proud to co-sponsor this commonsense measure and look forward to its continued progress through the House and ultimately the Senate.”

“Between 75% and 90% of people experiencing withdrawal from medetomidine require ICU-level medical care,” said Scott. “This is a dangerous drug that presents extremely challenging situations for the first responders who need to administer overdose care. Everyone should be championing this bill.”

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.