Ingesting, Inhaling Nitrite "Poppers" Can Cause Severe Injury or Death (2024)

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Health care providers are reporting increases in deaths and hospitalizations related to intentional ingestion or inhalation of nitrite products for recreational use, including sexual experience enhancement.

Commonly referred to as “poppers,” these products contain chemical substances similar to the prescription medication, amyl nitrite, which is prescribed for the relief of chest pain. However, poppers have not been evaluated by the FDA for safe use. These products are not safe to ingest or inhale.

Poppers are often packaged in small bottles similar to energy shot beverage products and commonly sold online, in adult novelty stores, and at other locations and are marketed as:

  • air fresheners
  • liquid incense
  • deodorizers
  • leather cleaners
  • cosmetics
  • solvents
  • nail polish removers

“Make no mistake, ingesting or inhaling poppers seriously jeopardizes your health,” Judy McMeekin, Pharm. D., Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs, said. “These chemicals can be caustic and damage the skin or other tissues they come in contact with, cause difficulty breathing, extreme drops in blood pressure, decreases in blood oxygen levels, seizures, heart arrhythmia, coma, and death. Do not ingest or inhale under any circ*mstances.”

Additionally, manufacturers are packaging and labeling these products in a way that may mislead consumers into thinking the poppers are safe or intended to be inhaled or ingested by drinking. They are often packaged in the same style of bottles as energy shots/drinks, and labeled with names like:

  • Rush
  • Super Rush
  • Jungle Juice
  • Locker Room
  • Sub-Zero
  • Iron Horse

“Don’t be fooled. These poppers, often purchased online or in novelty stores, are unapproved products and should not be inhaled or ingested, regardless of how they are packaged, labeled or displayed,” McMeekin said. “Used as a recreational drug, they can cause serious health issues. They are not worth your life.”

If you think you are having a serious side effect that is an immediate danger to your health, call 9-1-1 or go to your local emergency room. To report a complaint or adverse event (illness or injury), you can

Ingesting, Inhaling Nitrite "Poppers" Can Cause Severe Injury or Death (2024)

FAQs

Ingesting, Inhaling Nitrite "Poppers" Can Cause Severe Injury or Death? ›

Nitrate “poppers” are a type of inhalant that people use to enhance social experiences, and to make sex feel better. They're legal to buy and possess — but that doesn't mean they're safe. In fact, these products can be dangerous for your brain and body. They can even lead to hospitalization, coma, and death.

How bad is it to inhale poppers? ›

“These chemicals can be caustic and damage the skin or other tissues they come in contact with, cause difficulty breathing, extreme drops in blood pressure, decreases in blood oxygen levels, seizures, heart arrhythmia, coma, and death. Do not ingest or inhale under any circ*mstances.”

What are the health hazards of nitrite inhalants? ›

Skin and tracheobronchial irritations (especially about the nose and lips), burns from accidental ignition, headaches, hypotension, cyanosis, methemoglobinemia, intoxication, and the development of habitual use patterns are possible adverse effects of nitrite inhalation.

Are poppers fatal? ›

They are used for muscle relaxation and aphrodisia but using them can cause low oxygen levels, difficulty breathing, and feeling faint. In severe or untreated cases, death can occur. Due to the severe health problems that can occur with the use of poppers, the FDA has warned consumers not to use these products.

What are the effects of amyl nitrite once inhaled? ›

The effects of amyl nitrate are usually felt straight away, and last for around two to five minutes. They include: initial 'rush' of euphoria. flushing of the face.

Which poppers are the strongest? ›

Among the various types of nitrite-based poppers, pentyl and propyl poppers are considered some of the strongest options.

What's the difference between poppers and whippets? ›

These substances all have different effects. Nitrous oxide, known as whippets, act on NO receptors. They induce smooth muscle relaxation and hypotension. Alkyl Nitrites, known as poppers, are NO receptor agonists and have similar effect to whippets.

What health problems does nitrite cause? ›

A growing body of literature indicates potential associations between nitrate/nitrite exposure and other health effects such as increased heart rate, nausea, headaches, and abdominal cramps.

What does nitrite poisoning do? ›

Abstract. Sodium nitrite is a powerful oxidizing agent that causes hypotension and limits oxygen transport and delivery in the body through the formation of methemoglobin. Clinical manifestations can include cyanosis, hypoxia, altered consciousness, dysrhythmias, and death.

What is nitrite inhalation? ›

Amyl nitrite is related to the nitrate medicines and is used by inhalation to relieve the pain of angina attacks. It works by relaxing blood vessels and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload. Amyl nitrite may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Are poppers and Viagra lethal? ›

Health officials say the risk is when Viagra is taken with amyl nitrites, known as "poppers." The danger with amyl nitrite in combination with Viagra is that it can result in a precipitous and deadly drop in blood pressure.

Are poppers a fire hazard? ›

If it happens accidentally, call 911 or Poison Control. Contact with the skin can cause irritation and lesions. Poppers are highly flammable.

How to heal poppers burn? ›

How can you care for yourself at home?
  1. Wash the burn every day with a mild soap and water. ...
  2. Gently pat the burn dry after you wash it.
  3. You may cover the burn with a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a non-stick bandage.
  4. Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.

What happens if you drink isobutyl nitrite? ›

Overdose can result in methaemoglobinaemia: the presence of oxidized haemoglobin which is unable to transport oxygen. Depending on the serum level of methaemoglobin this may result in central cyanosis, unconsciousness, coma and even death.

What does Chloe say in Fight Club? ›

Memorable Quotes

(smile dissipating) ...but, I don't know for how long." "I no longer have any fear of death." "I'm so close to the end and all I want to do is get laid for the last time."

Is amyl nitrite carcinogenic? ›

Cancer – all nitrites are potential carcinogens and isobutyl nitrite is a known carcinogen. Long-term, regular use of poppers may be linked with an increased risk of certain kinds of cancer.

What are the effects of smelling poppers? ›

Sniffing poppers increases blood flow to the body giving some users: a head-rush that lasts for a couple of minutes. a sense of euphoria. increased sex drive and skin sensitivity.

Are poppers bad for your sinuses? ›

Frequently inhaling amyl nitrite vapors can cause lesions around your lips and nose. Inhaling poppers can impair respiratory function, leading to chronic conditions like sinusitis and bronchitis.

How does a popper lure work? ›

A surface popper is a type of surface lure that skips across the water to attract fish. The unique thing about surface poppers is that they have a cupped face at the front that is designed to push out a surge of water on its retrieval.

What is the rush smelling liquid? ›

Amyl nitrite is also known as 'poppers'. Butyl and isobutyl nitrites have been sold under many names including rush, climax, ram, thrust and heart-on and jungle juice aroma. Amyl nitrite is classified as an inhalant and is a vasodilator which means it dilates blood vessels.

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