Butane, freon, and toluene cause the heart to be more sensitive to norepinephrine, a natural stimulant produced by the body. A study using mice confirms that fluoroalkanes cause this reaction.
Vagal inhibition is a reflex that occurs when the larynx is suddenly cooled.
When released from a pressurized container, inhalants undergo supercooling, and may freeze anything they contact. Volatile nitrites relax smooth muscle wherever it is found in the body. Smooth muscles affected include those that cover the outsides of major arteries in the body. Partially blocked arteries in the heart get enhanced blood flow when nitrites are used. This is the reason for the status of amyl nitrite as a prescription drug, although today, amyl nitrite has largely been replaced by oral and sublingual nitroglycerin tablets.