FDA Warns Consumers Against Using Smelling Salts and Inhalants

The cited products, which claim to boost alertness and energy, contain ammonia, which can cause coughing, airway constriction, and eye and nose irritation.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) headquarters in White Oak, Md. on Aug. 29, 2020. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning this week advising American consumers against using certain inhalant products marketed to promote alertness and boost energy.

These inhalants such as smelling salts, which primarily contain ammonia, are not approved by the FDA and pose significant health risks, according to the alert from the agency issued on Aug. 6.

Ammonia is a colorless gas with a distinct odor commonly found in household and industrial cleaning products and in fertilizers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), inhaling ammonia can cause immediate respiratory distress, including coughing, airway constriction, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.

Prolonged exposure can result in severe health issues such as shortness of breath, seizures, and fainting, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.

Lung damage and death may occur after exposure to high concentrations of ammonia, the CDC said, and some people with asthma may be more sensitive to breathing ammonia than others.

Ammonia exposure also can cause serious burns upon contact, and there is no antidote for ammonia poisoning, according to the CDC’s guidelines. Treatment typically involves supportive care for respiratory and cardiovascular functions.

The FDA said it had received reports of adverse events from consumers and issued warning letters to several companies marketing unapproved inhalant products.

Brands cited include:

• Ward Smelling Salts
• Ammonia Sport Inc.
• Skull Smash LLC
• Spirochaete Research Labs, LLC (also known as Scitus Laboratory Products)
• Innovative Formulations, LLC (doing business as Insane Labz)
• Native Salts LLC
• Nose Slap LLC

“Manufacturers have not demonstrated these products to be safe or effective for their intended uses,” the alert said.

“Failure of the company to promptly correct violations may result in legal action without further notice, including, without limitation, product seizure and injunction.”

This action follows a more limited warning in May 2023 regarding Nose Slap and Soul Slap products.

At that time, the FDA said it had received reports of adverse events such as shortness of breath, seizures, migraines, vomiting, diarrhea, and fainting from consumers after using the Nose Slap or Soul Slap products which may have been purchased online.

The FDA urged healthcare professionals and consumers to report any adverse events or quality issues to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program.

Consumers are advised to be cautious and avoid using products that are not FDA-approved, particularly those claiming to enhance alertness and energy through inhalation.