Isotonitazene - A Deadly New Trend in The Psychoactive Substance Abuse

Isotonitazene, chemically termed Ndiethyl-2-[[4-(1-methylethoxy)phenyl]methyl]-5-nitro1 Hbenzimidazole-1-ethanamine, is an opioid analgesic recently emerged in the illicit drug market.[1] In 2019, illicitly manufactured Isotonitazene Toxicological data from 18 cases in the unites states has indicated its use is inextricably linked with polydrug use.[2] The drug can be delivered via intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous. The most common overdose symptoms are Apnea, stupor, miosis, bradycardia, suppression of the endocrine system, euphoria, and convulsion.[1] Although no clinical experience with isotonitazene toxicity has been reported to date but based on the pharmacological profile similarities of Isotonitazene with other opioids, Naloxone can be expected to work.[3] As the available data and information suggest a high risk of abuse, forensic professionals and toxicologists need to be aware of Isotonitazene.