Carfentanil is an opioid that is significantly stronger than fentanyl. It is estimated to be around 10,000 times more potent than morphine and about 100 times more potent than fentanyl. Carfentanil is an analog of fentanyl and was originally developed as a tranquilizer for large animals, such as elephants.
Due to its extreme potency, carfentanil is not used for human medical purposes and is considered to be too dangerous for that application. However, it has made its way into the illicit drug market, where it has been found mixed with other substances like heroin or used in counterfeit prescription drugs, leading to accidental overdoses and fatalities. The presence of carfentanil in these substances greatly increases the risk of overdose, as even a tiny amount can be lethal to humans.
It is important to note that carfentanil and other potent synthetic opioids pose a significant risk to public health and should be avoided. If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose involving carfentanil, fentanyl, or another opioid, call emergency services immediately and administer naloxone if available, as it can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
