Chloroethane
Chloroethane (also known as ethyl chloride, or spray poppers) is a volatile organic solvent which produces rapid-onset intoxication when its vapors are inhaled.
Chloroethane
| Other names | Ethyl chloride, spray poppers |
|---|---|
| Health risk | High |
| Addiction risk | Moderate |
| Legal risk | Mild |
| External links | PsychonautWiki Erowid |
Background
Medical uses
Chloroethane was previously used as an inhalational anesthetic to produce general anesthesia. However, its flammability, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics have led to it being replaced by more modern agents such as sevoflurane. It is still sometimes used as a local anesthetic due to the chilling effect produced by topical evaporation.
Mechanism of action
Chloroethane is thought to produce intoxication primarily through GABA receptor agonism, similar to other volatile anesthetics.