Public health officials are warning about a powerful new drug spreading across the Midwest that they say is significantly more potent than fentanyl.
The Marion County, Indiana Public Health Department said the drug, known as cychlorphine, has been linked to a growing number of fatal overdoses in several states, including Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee.
Officials said the warning comes as communities continue to face the ongoing impact of the fentanyl crisis, with the emergence of even stronger substances raising new concerns among health and law enforcement agencies.
Authorities warned that cychlorphine is extremely dangerous, noting that even an amount smaller than a grain of salt could be immediately fatal. Officials also said the drug may not be detectable with standard fentanyl test strips, increasing the risk of accidental exposure.
Experts say the drug can appear in multiple forms, including powder, pills and liquid, and users may not realize they are ingesting it.
Brianna Hicks with Overdose Lifeline said the rise of new substances is often driven by demand and the search for cheaper alternatives that produce similar effects.
Officials emphasized that naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, remains the most effective tool to reverse overdoses, though multiple doses may be required for more potent drugs.
While cases have not yet been confirmed in Marion County, health officials warn the drug could spread quickly.
The situation remains under close monitoring.
