FDA Issues Warning Against Recreational Inhalation of Nitrous Oxide
By Stephanie Brown HealthDay Reporter
MONDAY, March 17, 2025 -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is cautioning consumers against the recreational use of any flavor of nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) from canisters, tanks, or chargers. Inhalation of these products can lead to serious health issues, including fatalities.
Nitrous oxide canisters, both flavored and unflavored, are being marketed as a food processing propellant for whipped cream and other culinary uses. The products are sold under various brand names including, Baking Bad, Cosmic Gas, Galaxy Gas, HOTWHIP, InfusionMax, MassGass, Whip-it!, and Miami Magic. They are available at online stores such as Amazon, Ebay, and Walmart, as well as at smoke/vape shops and gas stations.
The FDA warns that inhaling nitrous oxide can result in a range of symptoms and serious health problems, including 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. Habitual nitrous oxide inhalation can lead to lasting neurological issues, such as spinal cord or brain damage, in certain individuals, even after they cease use.
Consumers are advised against misusing or inhaling nitrous oxide products, and to contact their health care provider if they have recently used these products and have health concerns.
"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," the agency said in an alert.
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted March 2025
Read this next
2000 to 2023 Saw Rise in Pediatric Exposure to Medications, Supplements
MONDAY, Sept. 8, 2025 -- From 2000 to 2023, the rate of exposure to medications, dietary supplements, and psychoactive substances increased among children aged 6 to 12 years...
59.0 Percent of Overdose Deaths Involved Stimulants in 2021 to 2024
TUESDAY, Sept. 2, 2025 -- From 2021 to 2024, 59.0 percent of overdose deaths involved stimulants, according to research published in the Aug. 28 issue of the U.S. Centers for...
Unfavorable Mental Health Outcomes Reported With THC Product Use
TUESDAY, Aug. 26, 2025 -- High-concentration delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabis products are associated with unfavorable mental health outcomes, according to a review...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.