01 · How it works
Nitric oxide vasodilation
Inhaled alkyl nitrites release nitric oxide and increase cGMP, rapidly relaxing vascular smooth muscle and producing a sharp drop in blood pressure with reflex tachycardia.
02 · Immediate effects
Recognize the effects
Signs of Use
- Sudden flushing and pounding heartbeat
- Dizziness, headache, or fainting
- Blue or slate-gray lips and nail beds
- Shortness of breath or confusion
- Yellow-crusted irritation around the nose or lips
Short Term
- Brief head rush and warmth
- Rapid blood-pressure drop
- Disinhibition and sphincter relaxation
- Nausea and postural syncope
- Visual changes or unsteadiness
Long Term
- Methemoglobinemia and tissue hypoxia
- Poppers maculopathy and central vision loss
- Chemical burns and contact dermatitis
- Chronic anemia or red-cell injury
- Repeated cardiovascular stress
03 · Long-term consequences
Methemoglobinemia
Nitrites can oxidize hemoglobin so it cannot carry oxygen. Liquid products are corrosive and can be fatal if swallowed; the vapors and liquids are also highly flammable.
Medical emergency
Identifying an emergency
Call 911 for blue or gray skin, severe shortness of breath, collapse, seizures, or confusion. Move away from the source, provide fresh air, and irrigate skin or eyes with water for at least 15 minutes.
Do not use sildenafil, tadalafil, or other PDE-5 inhibitors with alkyl nitrites