Substances | Amyl Nitrates
Synonyms
Poppers, Rush, Video Tape cleaner, Leather Cleaner
Class
Depressant, Vasodilator
Mechanism of action
Exact mechanism is not fully elucidated, but vasodilation is likely mediated by nitric oxide [1]
Medical use
Precursor to modern nitroglycerin, decreases blood pressure while increasing heart rate and cardiac output.
Administration routes
Inhaled only
Effect
"Downer”
Fast onset and short duration “high,” feelings of warmth and euphoria/pleasure, increases physical sensation, relaxes anal sphincter
Safety Strategies
Understand the Sexual Importance of Poppers and Inherent Heterosexism in Anti-Popper Campaigns
Coming soon.. [2]
Risk for Serious Side Effects if Combined with Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors (Sildenafil/Viagra)
Coming soon..
Close Your Eyes
Coming soon.. [3]
Avoid Skin Contact, and Ingestion
Coming soon.. [3]
Immune Related Concerns Negligible
Coming soon.. [4]
Citations & Reading
[1] Nossaman VE, Nossaman BD, Kadowitz PJ. Nitrates and nitrites in the treatment of ischemic cardiac disease. Cardiol Rev. 2010;18(4):190-197.
[2] Schwartz C, Fast D, Knight R. Poppers, queer sex and a Canadian crackdown: Examining the experiences of alkyl nitrite use among young sexual minority men. International Journal of Drug Policy. 2020;77:102670.
[3] Fledelius HC. Irreversible blindness after amyl nitrite inhalation. Acta Ophthalmol Scand. 1999;77(6):719-721.
[4] Dutta A, Uno H, Holman A, Lorenz DR, Wolinsky SM, Gabuzda D. Long-term nitrite inhalant exposure and cancer risk in MSM. AIDS (London, England). 2017;31(8):1169-1180.