Xylazine is a veterinary medication primarily used as a sedative, analgesic, and muscle relaxant in animals, particularly horses and cattle. It was first developed in the 1960s and is classified as an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist.
The compound itself is synthesized in laboratories and has no natural source. It mimics certain physiological effects by binding to specific receptors in the central nervous system, which is why it is effective for sedation and pain relief in veterinary medicine. In recent years, there has been increasing concern about its misuse in human populations, particularly as an adulterant in illicit drugs, which can lead to serious health risks.