Poppers: effects, dangers and safety precautions
Definition : Poppers are inhaled volatile nitrites that cause muscle relaxation, a racing heart and a rush of heat within seconds; they're dangerous if swallowed, on skin and eyes, with alcohol and with erection drugs.
- Keywords
- nitrites, amyl nitrite, rush, chemsex
- Topics
- Sexual Health & Prevention
- Updated
What are poppers?
Poppers are a highly volatile liquid made of nitrites (amyl, pentyl, propyl nitrite…) that you sniff straight from the bottle. Very common among gay men, they’re popular during sex, especially to ease anal penetration.
What are the effects?
According to Drogues Info Service, poppers cause, within seconds:
- a faster heartbeat;
- muscle relaxation (including the sphincters);
- an intense feeling of heat, flushed face and neck.
The effect lasts one to two minutes. Headaches, dizziness and nausea are common.
What are the dangers?
According to Drogues Info Service:
- overdose: sniffing many times in a short period can make you pass out; if you get a headache or dizziness, stop and get some fresh air;
- burns: the liquid damages skin and mucous membranes (nose, mouth, eyes); never sniff too close or let it drip;
- never swallow it: ingestion is a medical emergency;
- flammable: no flames, cigarettes or lighters nearby;
- with alcohol: more headaches, dizziness and fainting.
Vision problems have been reported in regular users: blurred vision after use means seeing an eye doctor.
Poppers and Viagra: the mix not to make
Drogues Info Service advises against combining poppers with erection drugs (Viagra, Cialis and similar): both widen blood vessels, which can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, fainting or even a heart attack. See dangerous combinations.
Be careful too if you have heart problems, blood pressure issues, glaucoma or anaemia.
Poppers and prevention
Relaxation and euphoria can make you forget condoms or lube, and penetration that’s too fast or too long causes micro-tears. Keep up PrEP, condoms and plenty of lube (condoms and lube).
Practical tips
- Sniff from the bottle, not too close, without getting any on your skin.
- Space out sniffs; stop at the first headache.
- Close the bottle, keep it upright, out of reach of children.
- If it splashes in your eye: rinse with lots of water and see a doctor.
- If swallowed or someone collapses: call emergency services (112, 15 in France).
Informational article based on official sources. It does not replace medical advice: if in doubt, if you have symptoms or took a risk, see a health professional or a sexual health clinic.
Sources
Figures and recommendations checked against:
- Drogues Info Service (Santé publique France) — Le dico des drogues – Poppers
- Santé publique France (Sexosafe) — Chemsex et slam : comment se protéger ?