Multiple states have issued public health warnings about cychlorphine, a synthetic opioid that authorities say is significantly more potent than fentanyl and has been connected to several dozen recent overdoses.

Cychlorphine belongs to a new class of synthetic opioids that are increasingly appearing in the U.S. illicit drug supply. The substance has never been approved for medical use in humans, according to health officials.

Like fentanyl, cychlorphine is being mixed into other illegal drugs, creating additional risks for users who may be unaware of its presence. The drug's high potency compared to other opioids raises concerns about the potential for fatal overdoses.

State health departments have been monitoring the emergence of cychlorphine as part of broader efforts to track new synthetic drugs entering local drug markets. The warnings come as communities continue to grapple with the ongoing opioid crisis that has affected regions across the country.

Public health officials are working to alert medical professionals, first responders, and harm reduction organizations about the presence of cychlorphine to help prevent additional overdoses and deaths.