title: [Case report - a dangerous intoxication after ingestion of alkyl nitrite ("poppers")].
abstract: This case report describes the inadvertent poisoning of a young man with "poppers" after having ingested an unknown amout of the drug. "Poppers" (alkyl nitrite) were made famous in the 1960s as a party drug, and during certain sexual practices, and are still in use today. The drug's inhalation leads to a short-lived rush, vasodilation and relaxtion of smooth muscles. An accidental ingestion can lead to a significant build-up of methemoglobin with dire consequences. The therapy consists of the intravenous administration of methylene blue.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bernasconi
authors.forename: Christoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Konrad
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fischer
mesh_terms: D000680:Amyl Nitrite / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000931:Antidotes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003128:Coma / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy*; D062787:Drug Overdose; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008706:Methemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000931:Antidotes; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D000680:Amyl Nitrite; D008706:Methemoglobin