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Fentanyl Adulteration

Meaning

Fentanyl adulteration describes the illicit practice of mixing the potent synthetic opioid fentanyl, or its structural analogs, into other recreational or counterfeit prescription drugs without the user’s knowledge. This dangerous practice significantly elevates the risk of accidental overdose due to fentanyl’s extreme potency and narrow therapeutic index. While primarily a public health and toxicology concern, it impacts the clinical setting through emergency response and pain management protocols. It is a critical issue due to the substance’s profound effect on the central nervous system.