Methemoglobinemia from Sniffing Butyl Nitrite
Authors: McDONALD K. HORNE
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1979)

Brief Reports1 September 1979Methemoglobinemia from Sniffing Butyl NitriteMcDONALD K. HORNE III, M.D., MICHAEL R. WATERMAN, Ph.D., LaVERNE McELROY SIMON, M.A., JAMES C. GARRIOTT, Ph.D., E. H. FOERSTER, M.S.McDONALD K. HORNE III, M.D.Search for more papers by this author, MICHAEL R. WATERMAN, Ph.D.Search for more papers by this author, LaVERNE McELROY SIMON, M.A.Search for more papers by this author, JAMES C. GARRIOTT, Ph.D.Search for more papers by this author, E. H. FOERSTER, M.S.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-91-3-417 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptButyl nitrite has become popular in the drug culture as an aphrodisiac (1, 2). Amyl nitrite has been used for such purposes for several years (3), but its availability is legally restricted. The butyl congener, on the other hand, is sold over the counter. Although it is marketed as a "room odorizer," butyl nitrite enthusiasts achieve stimulation by sniffing the compound directly from the bottle, in the manner of amyl nitrite "poppers."Although the physiologic effects of amyl nitrite are generally understood (4), little is known about the effects of butyl nitrite. However, we have recently studied this problem in...References1. MCCLUNGSPYKER MD. Abuse of butyl nitrite. In: Proceedings of the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Chicago: American Association of Poison Control Centers; 1978:464. Abstract. Google Scholar2. SHARPBREHN CM. Review of Inhalants: Euphoria to Dysfunction. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office; 1977:147. [NIDA Research Monograph No. 15.] Google Scholar3. EVERETT G. Effects of amyl nitrite ("poppers") on sexual experience. Med Aspects Hum Sex. 1972;6:146-51. Google Scholar4. NICKERSON M. Vasodilator drugs. In: GOODMAN LS, GILMAN A, eds. The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 5th ed. New York: MacMillan Publishing Co. ; 1975:727. Google Scholar5. JAFFE E. DPNH-methemoglobin reductase (diaphorase). In: YUNIS JJ, ed. Biochemical Methods in Red Cell Genetics. New York: Academic Press; 1969:231. Google Scholar6. EVELYNMALLOY KH. Microdetermination of oxyhemoglobin, methemoglobin, and sulfhemoglobin in a single sample of blood. J Biol Chem. 1938;126:655-62. CrossrefGoogle Scholar This content is PDF only. To continue reading please click on the PDF icon. Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: Baylor University Medical Center Dallas, Texas PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited ByLow-Level Quantification of tert -Butyl Nitrite in a Pharmaceutical IntermediateA young lady presenting to the emergency department with blue lips: A case study with review of literaturePostmortem Clinical ChemistriesMethaemoglobinaemia associated with the use of cocaine and volatile nitrites as recreational drugs: a reviewSubstances volatilesLaboratory Assessment of Oxygenation in MethemoglobinemiaComparison of acute lethal toxicity of commonly abused psychoactive substancesInhalantsMéthémoglobinémie récidivante : rechercher la prise itérative de poppersSelf-Reported Effects of Alkyl Nitrite Use: A Qualitative Study Amongst Targeted GroupsFatal Methemoglobinemia Due to Inhalation of Isobutyl NitriteMethemoglobinemia: An Occupational Hazard of Phenylpropanolamine Production4. 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STEINER, M.D., ANTHONY S. MANOGUERRA, PHARM. D.Fatal Methemoglobinemia from Butyl Nitrite IngestionROBERT SHESSER, M.D., DOUGLAS DIXON, M.D., YORKE ALLEN, M.D., JOYCE MITCHELL, M.D., SOL EDELSTEIN, M.D. 1 September 1979Volume 91, Issue 3Page: 417-418KeywordsDrugsMethemoglobinemiaOver the counter drugs Issue Published: 1 September 1979 PDF DownloadLoading ...