Xylazine toxicity in humans may include:

• bradycardia (slow heart rate)
• blurred vision
• central nervous system (CNS) depression (sedation, drowsiness, disorientation)
• staggering
• respiratory depression (breathing slowed or stopped)
• hypotension (low blood pressure)
• hypothermia (dangerous drop in body temperature)
• hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels)
• severe withdrawal symptoms
• miosis (pinpoint pupils)
• severe, necrotic skin ulcerations (may occur at other areas beside injection site)
• coma
• death

In addition, it may interfere with the successful treatment of opioid use disorder (OU) and delay the management of an overdose. Death can occur in humans when used alone or as part of a multidrug overdose.

Healthcare providers should provide appropriate supportive care to patients who do not respond adequately to naloxone administration, if given. Xylazine in a polysubstance exposure may include symptoms such as low blood pressure, fast heart rate and abnormal heart rhythms. 

Severe, necrotic skin ulcers may also be a sign that repeated xylazine exposure has occurred. Wound management, antibiotics and hospitalization may be needed.