Illicit fentanyl has been called the deadliest drug threat in U.S. history. But now, a new class of opioids—nitazenes—is spreading globally, and early data shows they may be even more dangerous.
According to the CDC, some nitazenes are 10x more potent than fentanyl and up to 1,000x stronger than morphine. Worse, users often have no idea they’re taking them—nitazenes are being mixed into heroin, counterfeit pills, cocaine, and even cannabis products.
Reports show nitazenes are linked to hundreds of overdose deaths worldwide and identified in at least 4,300 U.S. law enforcement drug seizures since 2019. Just like fentanyl, they are tasteless, odorless, and nearly impossible to spot without reliable testing tools.
How Nitazenes Compare to Fentanyl
- Isonitazene (ISO): ~10x more potent than fentanyl
- Protonitazene: ~2x more potent than fentanyl I
- Sotonitazene: ~5x more potent than fentanyl
- Metonitazene: similar to fentanyl in strength
- Metodesnitazene / Flunitazene: closer to morphine potency
Naloxone can reverse overdoses involving nitazenes, but it often takes multiple doses—making rapid detection and prevention even more critical.
How the F1 Wipe Helps
Trace Eye-D’s F1 Fentanyl Detection Wipe is engineered to presumptively identify synthetic and natural opioids—including fentanyl and nitazenes—through a simple, reliable color-change test.
- Detects fentanyl, carfentanil, heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, nitazenes, and more
- Works on powders, pills, liquids, residue, trace, and bulk samples
- Safe for use on surfaces and skin
- Results in seconds — no ampoules, no spills, no waiting
The F1 Wipe gives law enforcement, EMS, correctional facilities, and public safety teams instant insight before accidental exposure occurs.
Every Second Counts!
Key Facts at a Glance
- Nitazenes are up to 10x stronger, or more in some cases, than fentanyl
- 4,300+ U.S. seizures since 2019
- Linked to hundreds of overdose deaths worldwide
- Presumptively detected with F1 Detection Wipes
FAQs: Nitazenes & Detection
Q: What are nitazenes?
A: Nitazenes are a class of synthetic opioids originally developed in the 1950s but never approved for medical use. Today they are illicitly manufactured and spreading worldwide.
Q: Are nitazenes stronger than fentanyl?
A: Yes. Some nitazenes are 10x more potent than fentanyl and up to 1,000x stronger than morphine.
Q: Can naloxone reverse nitazene overdoses?
A: Yes, but it often takes multiple doses compared to fentanyl-only overdoses.
Q: How do people become exposed?
A: Nitazenes are often mixed into heroin, counterfeit pills, or cocaine, meaning users consume them unknowingly.
Q: How can first responders test for nitazenes?
A: The F1 Fentanyl Wipe can presumptively identify nitazenes, along with fentanyl and other opioids, in seconds.
Learn More & Request Samples
Read more about our F1 Fentanyl Instant Detection Wipe here:
🔗 Product Highlight Blog
🔗 Fentanyl Awareness Day Blog
📩 Interested in samples for your agency? Contact us today.
