Poppers info card

Apr 7

Poppers: rush, jungle juice, liquid gold

Poppers are inhalants made from alkyl nitrites (like amyl, isobutyl, or butyl nitrite), commonly sold as cleaners or deodorizers that are typically inhaled or huffed. Once used for chest pain, they’re now popular in queer party and sex scenes for their brief head rush and muscle-relaxing effects.

How it hits:

Effects begin within 5–15 seconds and typically last 1–3 minutes. Some lightheadedness or flushing may linger a bit longer.

Sniffing poppers causes a quick head rush, a floaty euphoria, and a tingly, dizzy, and flushed sensation.

Relaxes smooth muscles, which can ease receptive sex.

Side effects and complications include dizziness, headaches, facial flushing, lightheadedness, rapid drop in blood pressure, lightheadedness or fainting, and injury from loss of consciousness.

Some people experience nausea or an uncomfortable drop in energy.

Frequent or heavy use can stress the heart, lower oxygen to the brain, and certain types damage the optic nerve, potentially causing vision loss.

Frequent users may develop tolerance and take longer hits, which increases risk of harm.

Risky poppers combos:

Mixing drugs increases the risk of serious health issues. Always check individual interactions and limit combinations:

+ Stimulants (like cocaine, amphetamines) = Increases heart strain and risk of irregular heartbeat.

+ Alcohol and Other Sedatives (like benzos, GHB) = May increase dizziness and risk of passing out or vomiting while impaired.

+ Erectile Meds (like Viagra, Cialis) = Can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure that may lead to fainting or stroke.

Stay safer:

Never swallow poppers. Ingestion can be fatal.
Waft vapor toward your nose rather than inhaling directly.

Switch nostrils and take breaks between sniffs to avoid overwhelming effects.

Stop immediately if you experience a headache or discomfort.
Poppers are flammable. Keep away from skin and open flames.

If using during sex, discuss boundaries with your partner(s) before use.

Some types of poppers (like isobutyl nitrite) may pose higher health risks.
Call 911 if someone has pale or blue skin, lightheadedness or fainting, chest pain and shortness of breath, or accidentally swallows poppers.

Look out for each other tonight:

It’s okay to say no or take a break whenever you need.

Stay alert for any signs of distress and step in to help if needed.
In an emergency, call 911 for medical services. In Pennsylvania, you are protected under the Good Samaritan Law (Act 139 of 2014, "Drug Overdose Response Immunity Act") and will not get in trouble with the police.

Test your supply! While there is no quick way to test poppers’ safety or ingredients outside of a lab, you can get free fentanyl, xylazine and medetomidine test strips, naloxone, and more at SubstanceUsePhilly.com/get-supplies.