Amyl Nitrite Toxicity

Amyl nitrite is a chemical compound used as a vasodilator—an agent that widens blood vessels, according to Drugs.com. Because blood vessels are almost instantaneously dilated, it is used to treat angina pectoris—when blood vessels constrict or narrow. Amyl nitrite is simple to use—a small capsule is squeezed between the fingers until it breaks, then held directly under the nose. The patient inhales the vapor that is released and angina pain quickly eases, according to Rxlist.com. But while amyl nitrite may be effective and easy to use, there are dangers in its use, including toxic reactions.

Dosage Dangers

• Amyl nitrite should only be administered to treat angina in prepared capsules, which contain a 0.3 milliliters dosage of the drug. Anyone administering the capsule should be aware that amyl nitrite should not be inhaled in large amounts due to a potential toxicity buildup in the body. If one dose is not sufficient to ease angina, another dose should only be administered after three to five minutes, according to Rxlist.com. If angina still persists, see your doctor immediately.

Other Adverse Reactions

• Mild reactions to inhaling amyl nitrite include headache, dizziness and facial redness, which can occur in many patients, according to Rxlist.com. Some patients may experience more serious reactions, including syncope or fainting, evacuation of the bowels, a sudden drop in blood pressure (hypotension), nausea and vomiting, pallor and cold sweats. Rxlist.com lists toxicity reactions as including a pounding headache and/or cranial pressure, a too-rapid heart beat, trouble breathing, muscle weakness and symptoms resembling shock. Another toxic reaction is methemoglobinemia.

Methomoglobin Toxicity

• Amyl nitrite overdoses can cause a condition known as methemoglobinemia, according to Rxlist.com. This condition occurs when the hemoglobin elements in the blood—the part of each blood cell that transports oxygen through the body—are replaced by methomoglobin. The result of this condition is that the body receives insufficient oxygen because methomoglobin does not transport oxygen. The patient can experience “cyanosis,” a blue-gray tinge to the skin, lips and beneath fingernails, indicating oxygen deficiency. Dyspnea, or severe shortness of breath, may also accompany methemoglobinemia. The condition is more severe in patients who were previously diagnosed with methemoglobin reductase deficiency, a congenital condition. Amyl nitrite is contraindicated for such patients, according to Drugs.com.

Amyl Nitrite Abuse

• Toxicity can also result from abuse of amyl nitrite. The quick dilation of blood vessels that quickly alleviates angina also means that amyl nitrite is prone to abuse as a purported sexual stimulant or to experience a “rush.” Amyl nitrite abused in this way is known as a “popper” because the capsule makes a popping sound when broken between the fingers, according to the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse. This type of abuse, when used in conjunction with alcohol, can cause a toxic reaction that can lead to a severe drop in blood pressure and symptoms of shock. According to Rxlist.com, amyl nitrite combined with alcohol can also trigger a cardiovascular collapse.

Additional Warnings

• Amyl nitrite is a flammable liquid. It should be kept away from high heat and from light, according to Rxlist.com. Fumes known as "toxic oxides of nitrogen" are produced when amyl nitrite burns. Capsules should be stored in a cold, dark place because the “flash point,” the point where amyl nitrite catches fire, begins at 73 degrees Fahrenheit (22.77 degrees Celsius) and higher, according to Cameo Chemical. Another concern—amyl nitrite is a toxic substance and it should never be swallowed nor touch skin or eyes. If it is ingested, call a poison control center immediately and get the patient to a hospital. Do not induce vomiting if poisoning is suspected, as any vomit that is inhaled can be toxic to the lungs.