#TestIt Alert: Off-white powder sold in Chicago, IL as heroin but actually contains diphenhydramine, quinine, and fentanyl
By: Rachel Clark, DanceSafe Contractor A purple bag of off-white powder was sold in Chicago, IL as heroin, but actually contains diphenhydramine, quinine, and fentanyl. The sample was submitted from Chicago, IL. The sample turned orange/yellow in the presence of the Marquis reagent, yellow in the presence of the Mecke reagent, and light brown in the presence of the Mandelin reagent. Diphenhydramine is Benadryl, an antihistamine that induces drowsiness. The sedating effects of diphenhydramine may increase the risk of opioid overdose due to respiratory depression. Fentanyl is active in minute quantities, which has made it a nationally-recognized contributor to the opioid crisis due...