VSU
What is amyl nitrite?
Amyl nitrite is a clear, yellowish and highly flammable liquid, with a sweet/strong fruity smell. Originally used in the treatment of angina and cyanide poisoning, it is rarely used today as a prescribed medicine.
Amyl nitrite is commonly known as ‘amyl’, ‘poppers’, ‘snappers’ and ‘rush’. It comes in liquid form in either a small bottle or glass capsule.
Amyl nitrite emerged as a substance of misuse during the 1970s disco era and was associated with the rave and nightclub scene throughout the 1980s and 90s, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community.
The use of amyl nitrite is not often considered 'volatile substance use' as it is generally used by a specific group of people for the purpose of increasing sexual euphoria.
It is illegal to sell amyl nitrite for the purpose of inhaling, however it can be found in some sex shops, drug paraphernalia shops, men’s saunas and online. As it is illegal, it is usually sold as leather cleaner, room odouriser or liquid incense.
As a prescribed medication, amyl nitrite is a schedule 4 drug requiring a prescription for possession or use.
Amyl nitrite is usually inhaled through the nose or mouth, directly from the bottle or a container, or on a piece of cloth soaked with the substance.
Amyl nitrite does not have a withdrawal effect so is often used to combat the effects of the 'come-down' from other stimulants.
According to the 2022-2023 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 5.6% of respondents reported having ever used a volatile substance in their lifetime, which was a statistically significant increase from the 2019 survey where 4.8% reported ever having used.
Of those who reported volatile substance use, amyl nitrite was the most commonly reported volatile substance used, at 60.5%. Similar results were also found in the previous survey.
Effects
Amyl nitrite is a vasodilator. This means that it expands the blood vessels resulting in dramatically lowered blood pressure and relaxation of smooth muscles, particularly anal and vaginal muscles. Amyl nitrite also has psychoactive (mood-altering) effects.
The effects are felt within seconds and dissipate within a few minutes.
Short-term effects include a rush of warmth, feeling of euphoria, flushed face, dizziness and reduced inhibitions. Some people may experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, coughing, extremely low blood pressure, depressed breathing, shortness of breath, fainting, nose bleeds, erectile dysfunction and rapid heart rate.
Long-term effects can include bronchitis and permanent neurological damage. Amyl nitrite suppresses the immune system and long-term use has been linked to increased rates of cancer, including Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Harms
Combining amyl nitrite with amphetamine-type stimulants can cause increased heart rate, leading to a cardiac arrest and therefore can be fatal.
Using in conjunction with erectile dysfunction medication can lead to death due to the interactive effect between the two drugs on blood vessels (Department of Human Services, 2003).
Amyl nitrite is extremely poisonous when swallowed and deaths have been reported.
When inhaled, vapours from amyl nitrite can cause burns to the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. The liquid can also cause burns on contact with the skin.
Amyl nitrite is commonly used to reduce inhibitions which can lead to risky behaviours such as unsafe sexual practices, increasing the risk of transmission of sexually transmitted infections and blood-borne viruses.
Page last updated13 July 2025