09/23/2026
Public Health Alert: Cychlorphine
What is it: The drug was detected 09/2026 in California among counterfeited drug tablets, which were found to either have traces of the substance or significant quantities. Its presence in California suggests that illicit drug supplies in Arizona may soon see this substance and complicate prehospital treatment of suspected opioid overdoses.
Additionally, a wave of misinformation has spread suggesting that naloxone (Narcan) is ineffective against Cychlorphine overdoses.
Currently, there is no published clinical evidence to support the claim that naloxone is ineffective for reversing cychlorphine overdose.
Signs/Symptoms:
Decreased Levels of Consciousness
Respiratory Depression
Unconsciousness
Cyanosis (blue or gray skin)
Respiratory Failure
*Cychlorphine may be mixed with other drugs, so symptoms may vary from those of a traditional opioid overdose
Treatment:
This drug should be treated as any other Opioid overdose, by immediately calling 911 and administering Naloxone. Multiple doses may be required given its estimated ~10-fold greater potency than fentanyl.
Approved by UAEMS Medical Direction