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Date of Award
Spring 2025
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Besse
Second Advisor
Akselrad
Abstract
Xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer, has emerged as a significant substance of abuse in Philadelphia,
complicating the landscape of substance use disorder. Its pharmacological effects, particularly when combined with opioids, present unique challenges in acute care. Patients often exhibit symptoms such as hypotension, bradycardia, and respiratory depression, alongside severe complications like necrotic skin ulcers, which require specialized wound care. Diagnosing Xylazine exposure is challenging due to the absence of routine testing, necessitating clinical vigilance. Acute management includes stabilization, respiratory support, and overdose treatments, often involving naloxone. Long-term care focuses on treating chronic ulcers and addressing substance use disorder. The public health implications are profound, with rising Xylazine use driving new research and initiatives by Philadelphia's hospitals and public health organizations, highlighting the urgent need for updated clinical guidelines and community-based interventions.
Recommended Citation
Modi, Jahnvi, "Illicit Xylazine Use: Trends, Acute and Chronic Management" (2025). Capstone Showcase. 88.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2025/pa/88
Illicit Xylazine Use: Trends, Acute and Chronic Management
Xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer, has emerged as a significant substance of abuse in Philadelphia,
complicating the landscape of substance use disorder. Its pharmacological effects, particularly when combined with opioids, present unique challenges in acute care. Patients often exhibit symptoms such as hypotension, bradycardia, and respiratory depression, alongside severe complications like necrotic skin ulcers, which require specialized wound care. Diagnosing Xylazine exposure is challenging due to the absence of routine testing, necessitating clinical vigilance. Acute management includes stabilization, respiratory support, and overdose treatments, often involving naloxone. Long-term care focuses on treating chronic ulcers and addressing substance use disorder. The public health implications are profound, with rising Xylazine use driving new research and initiatives by Philadelphia's hospitals and public health organizations, highlighting the urgent need for updated clinical guidelines and community-based interventions.