ORN Summer 2025 - Medetomidine: Clinical Implications of an Emerging

Description:

Recent experience of acute drug toxicity and withdrawal linked to an emerging illicit drug adulterant, medetomidine, has been reported in multiple places. The presentation will discuss the pharmacologic mechanism of the drug, acute toxicity, and complicated withdrawal syndrome which has led to ~90% of patients being admitted to the ICU. I will present treatment recommendations as developed with direct patient care and collaboration with academic colleagues at other sites.

Learning objectives:

At the conclusion of this seminar, attendees should be able to:

• Evaluate the demographics and public health response related to medetomidine use.

• Analyze the structure and pharmacology of medetomidine.

• Assess the acute toxicity of medetomidine and formulate appropriate management strategies.

• Identify the withdrawal syndrome associated with medetomidine and develop effective management strategies.

• Explain the impact of medetomidine use on patient disposition and long-term consequences.

CME

Continuing Medical Education (CME) Credits Available

Participants in this program may earn the following CME credits:

✔ 1 AOA Category 1-A Credit
✔ 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
✔ 1 AAPA Category 1 CME Credit
✔ 1 Nurses CNE Credit

Earn valuable continuing education credits while enhancing your professional knowledge!

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Speaker:

Michael Lynch, MD

Dr. Michael Lynch is an associate professor of Emergency Medicine, Toxicology, and Addiction Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh where he works clinically in several UPMC hospitals. He is currently Senior Medical Director for Quality and Substance Use Disorder Services at UPMC Health Plan. He previously served as the first Medical Director of the PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and was Medical Director of the Pittsburgh Poison Center for 10 years. He is the founder and director of the UPMC Medical Toxicology Telemedicine Bridge Clinic.

DISCLAIMER

ACCREDITATION:
In support of improving patient care, American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

DISCLOSURE AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST RESOLUTION:
All conflicts of interest of any individual(s) in a position to control the content of this CME activity will be identified and resolved prior to this educational activity being provided. Disclosure about provider and faculty relationships, or the lack thereof, will be provided to learners.

Funding:

Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI088037 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Summary

Availability:

Registration Required

Access expires on Aug 01, 2028

Location:

Online Meeting

Date / Time:

Aug 06, 2025 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM ET

Cost:

FREE

Credit Offered:

1 AAPA Category 1 CME Credit

1 AMA PRA Cat 1 Credit

1 Nurses CNE Credit

1 AOA Category 1A Credit

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