Poppers

Poppers is the common name for alkyl nitrites, such as amyl or isobutyl nitrite, sold in small bottles and inhaled for a short, intense rush of euphoria and muscle relaxation. First developed as a heart medicine for chest pain, they have been used recreationally since the 1960s and became a fixture of gay male sexual culture, valued because they relax muscles, including the anal sphincter, and heighten sensation. In the United States they are sold under labels like room odorizer or leather cleaner, since selling them as a recreational inhalant is restricted. Health authorities warn that poppers can cause serious harm, and mixing them with erectile dysfunction drugs can trigger a dangerous drop in blood pressure. The FDA has cautioned against buying or using them.