Dangers of Poppers
The Bottom Line
Poppers are recreational drugs containing alkyl nitrites. They are used for muscle relaxation and sexual enhancement, but using them can cause low oxygen levels, difficulty breathing, and feeling faint. In severe or untreated cases, death can occur.
What are poppers?
Popular in the LGBTQ community, poppers have been used since the 1970s as recreational drugs for the purposes of muscle relaxation and sexual enhancement. Poppers contain organic nitrite compounds such as amyl nitrite, isopropyl nitrite, and isobutyl nitrite. These compounds were initially used for the treatment of heart disease and were often packaged in glass vials. The vials had to be broken, or popped, to access the drug inside, leading to the now-familiar name “poppers.”
How do people get poppers?
Poppers can be purchased online, at gas stations, or at adult novelty stores. They are often sold in 10–15 mL bottles with brand names including Rush, Jungle Juice, and Liquid Gold, and are often marketed as room deodorizers, leather cleaners, tape head cleaners, or nail polish removers. The packaging and bottle size can resemble energy shot drinks, and this can lead to confusion and unintentional poisoning. Poppers are usually used intentionally, but unfortunately, many people are unaware of their potential harmful effects.
Are poppers toxic?
In June 2021, the FDA issued a warning about the dangers of poppers. When swallowed or inhaled, even in small amounts, poppers can cause a life-threatening condition called methemoglobinemia. Methemoglobinemia results in decreased delivery of oxygen to the body’s tissues and organs. People affected by methemoglobinemia often have low oxygen levels and may feel lightheaded or have chest pain, difficulty breathing, or headaches. In severe cases, death can occur. There is an antidote for methemoglobinemia, but it is only available in hospitals.
Can poppers hurt my eyes or skin?
The use of poppers is also known to cause eye problems, including visual changes, light sensitivity, and blind spots. In addition, poppers can contain ingredients other than nitrites, which might be damaging to the skin. There have been cases of rashes and wounds that occurred after leakage of popper fluid onto skin.
Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD
Medical Toxicology Physician
Poisoned?
Call 1-800-222-1222 or
Prevention Tips
- Avoid use of poppers, as they can cause significant health problems and even death.
- Keep poppers safely away from children and pets.
- Be wary when buying or using energy shots and read the packaging carefully to ensure that the ingredients do not contain nitrites.
This Really Happened
A 62-year-old man developed a headache, nausea, vomiting, and unsteadiness within an hour of drinking less than 2 tablespoonfuls of “Jungle Juice.” At an emergency room, his blood oxygen saturation was found to be dangerously low. He was admitted to the intensive care unit for further treatment. A blood test diagnosed methemoglobinemia, and he was treated with the appropriate antidote and made a full recovery (from Tello et al., 2021).
For More Information
References
Sega R, Urbancic M. Waxing and waning poppers maculopathy. Can J Ophthalmol. 2021;56(3):e101-e103.
Poisoned?
Call 1-800-222-1222 or
Prevention Tips
- Avoid use of poppers, as they can cause significant health problems and even death.
- Keep poppers safely away from children and pets.
- Be wary when buying or using energy shots and read the packaging carefully to ensure that the ingredients do not contain nitrites.
This Really Happened
A 62-year-old man developed a headache, nausea, vomiting, and unsteadiness within an hour of drinking less than 2 tablespoonfuls of “Jungle Juice.” At an emergency room, his blood oxygen saturation was found to be dangerously low. He was admitted to the intensive care unit for further treatment. A blood test diagnosed methemoglobinemia, and he was treated with the appropriate antidote and made a full recovery (from Tello et al., 2021).