Poppers
Poppers are a class of recreational drugs that are used sexually for smooth muscle relaxation and a sensation of rapid onset euphoria. Typically "poppers" refers to one of several alkyl nitrites, though occasionally the term is used to describe ethyl chloride or "spray poppers". Specific drugs in this class include isoamyl nitrite, isopentyl nitrite, isopropyl nitrite, and isobutyl nitrite.
| Health risk | Mild |
|---|---|
| Addiction risk | Mild |
| Legal risk | Mild |
| External links | PsychonautWiki Erowid |
Interactions
Poppers act synergistically with PDE5 inhibitors which are commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction. The combination of poppers and PDE5 inhibitors can cause dangerously low blood pressure and should be avoided. Examples of PDE5 inhibitors include:
Risks
In some individuals or in high doses, poppers can cause vomiting, methemoglobinemia, hypoxemia, reduced oxygen level in the blood, and unconsciousness[1] which can persist for an extended time even after popper use is stopped.[2]
Poppers can cause chemical burns if the liquid becomes exposed to skin or sinuses.
Risk mitigation
Cease poppers usage if blood oxygen levels become lowered. Pale or blue skin or lips, headache or a pulse oximeter can all be used to identifiy low blood oxygen levels. If you don't recover, then seek medical help.
Avoid spilling poppers which can expose you to higher concentrations over a period of time than otherwise intended.
Known incidents
Medical case reports
- 23yr old male in the ER with hypoxemia, methemoglobinemia, and syncope (2023)[1]
- 39yr old male in the ER with hypoxemia and methemoglobinemia (2012)[3]
- 55yr old male in the ER with hypoxemia and methemoglobinemia for over a day (2016)[2]
- 44yr old male in the ER with hypoxemia, methemoglobinemia, unresponsive, stopped heart (1995)[4]
- 34yr old male in the ER with hypoxemia and methemoglobinemia for 4 days (2012)[5]
External links
- https://psychonautwiki.org/wiki/Poppers
- https://trikoot.net/2017/01/poppers-eye-damage-and-maculopathy/
- https://trikoot.net/2018/01/faq-poppers-and-eye-damage/
- https://trikoot.net/2020/11/poppers-and-viagra-the-history-and-science-of-the-dangerous-cocktail/
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Barry, Katherine; McAteer, Kristina E. (2023-04-03). "Syncope and Methemoglobinemia Preceded by Amyl Nitrite 'Popper' Inhalation". Rhode Island Medical Journal (2013). 106 (3): 49–51. ISSN 2327-2228. PMID 36989098.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Olazagasti, Coral; Paralkar, Janvi; Vishnevetsky, Michael; Chakravarti, Aloke; Sulica, Roxana; Favila, Kristine (2016-10). "Poppers Not Only Make You High: A Rare Case of Amyl Nitrate-Induced Hypoxia". Chest. 150 (4): 1108A. doi:10.1016/j.chest.2016.08.1216. ISSN 0012-3692.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ↑ McCabe, Aileen; McCann, Brendan; Kelly, Paul (2012-11-21). "Pop goes the O2: a case of popper-induced methaemoglobinamia". BMJ Case Reports. 2012: bcr2012007176. doi:10.1136/bcr-2012-007176. ISSN 1757-790X. PMC 4543718. PMID 23175012.
- ↑ Edwards, R J; Ujma, J (1995-06). "Extreme methaemoglobinaemia secondary to recreational use of amyl nitrite". Journal of Accident & Emergency Medicine. 12 (2): 138–142. ISSN 1351-0622. PMC 1342554. PMID 7582412.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ↑ Wong, Anselm; Koutsogiannis, Zeff; Greene, Shaun; McIntyre, Shona (2013-03-01). "A case of hemolysis and methemoglobinemia following amyl nitrite use in an individual with G6PD deficiency". Journal of Acute Medicine. 3 (1): 23–25. doi:10.1016/j.jacme.2012.12.005. ISSN 2211-5587.
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