US EPA

3803806 

Journal Article 

[Methemoglobinemia due to ingestion of isobutyl nitrite ('poppers')] 

Pruijm, MT; de Meijer, PH 

2002 

1 

Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde
ISSN: 0028-2162
EISSN: 1876-8784 

146 

49 

2370-2373 

Dutch 

12510403 

Two male students, aged 20 and 21 years, developed central cyanosis shortly after drinking 5 ml of 'poppers' (isobutyl nitrite). They presented with methaemoglobinaemia and were hospitalised. After treatment with oxygen and intravenous fluids they could be discharged in good health the following day. Poppers are alkyl nitrites with vasdilative and oxidizing properties. They are used as party drugs (i.e. inhaled) because of their short-lived euphoric effect. Overdose can result in methaemoglobinaemia: the presence of oxidized haemoglobin which is unable to transport oxygen. Depending on the serum level of methaemoglobin this may result in central cyanosis, unconsciousness, coma and even death. Patients with high methaemoglobin levels should be treated with i.v. methylene blue.