Nitrous oxide FDA Alerts
The FDA Alerts below may be specifically about nitrous oxide or relate to a group or class of drugs which include nitrous oxide.
MedWatch Safety Alerts are distributed by the FDA and published by Drugs.com. Following is a list of possible medication recalls, market withdrawals, alerts and warnings.
Recent FDA Alerts for nitrous oxide
FDA Advises Consumers Not to Inhale Nitrous Oxide Products
March 14, 2025 -- FDA advises consumers not to inhale nitrous oxide products from any size canisters, tanks, or chargers.
These products are marketed as both unflavored and flavored nitrous oxide canisters and are sold as a food processing propellant for whipped cream and culinary food use. Intentional misuse or inhalation of contents can lead to serious adverse health events, including death.
These products are sold under multiple brand names including, but not limited to:
- Baking Bad
- Cosmic Gas
- Galaxy Gas
- HOTWHIP
- InfusionMax
- MassGass
- Miami Magic
- Whip-it!
These products are being sold online and at retailers, including, but not limited to: Amazon.com, Ebay, Walmart, and at smoke/vape shops and gas stations.
The FDA has observed an increase in reports of adverse events after inhalation of nitrous oxide products. Similar reports also have been published by news outlets. The FDA will continue tracking reports of adverse events resulting from the inhalation and misuse of nitrous oxide canisters and will take appropriate actions to protect the public’s health.
BACKGROUND:
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Inhaling nitrous oxide can result in a range of symptoms and serious health problems, from abnormal blood counts, asphyxiation, blood clots, frostbite, headache, impaired bowel and bladder function, lightheadedness, limb weakness, loss of consciousness, numbness, palpitations, paralysis, psychiatric disturbances (delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, depression), tingling, trouble walking, vitamin B12 deficiency, and in some cases, death.
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For some individuals who regularly inhale nitrous oxide, this habit can lead to prolonged neurological effects, including spinal cord or brain damage, even after stopping use.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
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The FDA advises consumers to not misuse or inhale nitrous oxide products. These products can result in serious adverse health effects, including death, when inhaled.
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Contact your health care providers if you have recently used these products and are concerned about your health.
Health care professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:
- Complete and submit the report online.
- Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.
Source: FDA