What are Poppers and How are They Used?

In this comprehensive guide, here at Pentyl Poppers, we address the frequently asked questions, ‘What are poppers?’ and ‘How are they used?’ We will also explore their history and provide you with all the essential information you need.

Often known as room aromas, room odourisers, and leather cleaners, poppers are a slang term for a variety of chemicals called alkyl nitrites. These have become increasingly popular over time due to the euphoric and arousing effects they can induce.

For these reasons and more, poppers have become a favourite among recreational users, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Poppers are typically inhaled directly from the bottle or via an absorbent material like a cloth. While many choose to use them this way, at Pentyl Poppers, we advise against this and encourage users to only use them as intended for safety.

The History of Poppers

Long before poppers became synonymous with parties and nightlife, they were originally used for medicinal purposes. Poppers, specifically amyl nitrite, were first synthesized in 1844 by French chemist Antoine Jérôme Balard.

The medicinal benefits of poppers were first documented by Sir Thomas Lauder Brunton, a Scottish physician, who noted its clinical use in treating angina pectoris in 1867. The treatment involved administering amyl nitrite to dilate coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart and alleviating angina pain.

In the late 19th century, amyl nitrite was encapsulated in glass-mesh “pearls.” Users would crush these pearls between their fingers and inhale the vapors—a method that likely led to the term “poppers.” While amyl and butyl nitrites gained popularity for their effects, propyl nitrite never achieved the same clinical or recreational acclaim.

20th Century – The Poppers Phenomenon
Jump to 1964, and the first recorded instance of poppers being used recreationally emerged. By the early 1970s, the poppers craze had taken hold, particularly within the gay male community, in venues like bars, nightclubs, and bathhouses. Poppers were sold in fragile glass ampoules wrapped in cloth sleeves, which would “pop” when crushed to release the amyl nitrite for inhalation—something we do not recommend here at Pentyl Poppers.

Today, poppers come in various shapes and sizes, with numerous popular brands available online, marketed under names such as room aromas, room odourisers, and leather cleaners.

Effects and Side Effects of Poppers

As with any substance, poppers have a range of effects that occur almost immediately. Users often experience a warm sensation, dizziness, and in some cases, headaches—though this can vary depending on the quality of the product. Higher quality products like Pentyl and Double Scorpio are known to reduce these side effects significantly.

The primary reason poppers are used recreationally is for the feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and increased sex drive they produce. These effects occur because poppers act as vasodilators, relaxing blood vessels in the brain and other areas of the body, lowering blood pressure, and enhancing blood flow to the brain.
Another key reason for poppers’ popularity is their ability to facilitate anal sex by relaxing the anal muscles.

Effects

• Vasodilation (widening of blood vessels due to relaxation of the blood vessel walls)
• Tachycardia (increased heart rate, exceeding 100 beats per minute)
• Relaxation of the anal muscles
• Lowered blood pressure
• Euphoria and heightened sex drive

Side Effects

• Headaches
• Increased intraocular pressure
• Skin irritation around the nose or lips
• Sinusitis
• Nausea

How Long Do Poppers Last?

Poppers typically begin to take effect within about 15 seconds and can last up to 3 minutes, although this varies based on factors like product potency, dosage, and the user’s experience.
Regarding the shelf life of a bottle of poppers, most will last between 1-3 months after being opened, but this can differ from brand to brand. To maximize longevity, keep your poppers sealed and stored in a cool, dry place. If left open, they can lose potency within a few hours.

What Are Poppers Used for Sexually?

Since the 1970s, poppers have been used as a sexual aid, largely because they enhance libido and relax the anal muscles, making sex more comfortable—especially popular in the gay community. Some users also report stronger erections and more intense orgasms. While poppers may increase sexual pleasure, they can also lower inhibitions, which may lead to unsafe sexual practices. Always prioritize safety, use protection, and only consume poppers as intended.

Addiction

Can You Get Addicted to Poppers?

Although there is limited evidence to suggest that poppers are addictive, frequent users may develop a tolerance, which could lead to negative and potentially harmful side effects.
It’s crucial to understand that while many people use poppers without issues, they are not risk-free. Poppers have been associated with adverse effects in both short-term and long-term users, so it’s essential to exercise caution.

Where to Buy Poppers

For a broader selection of quality brands at competitive prices, purchasing UK poppers online is often the best choice

Best Poppers

With so many different brands available, determining which poppers are the best can be challenging. Preferences vary from user to user, so the best way to find your ideal brand is to try them and see which one provides the best experience.
However, looking at reviews can offer insight into the most popular and high-quality products. The quality of the poppers is critical, as it helps minimize any unwanted side effects.
Below, we have compiled a list of some of our top-selling poppers:

• Rush
• Pentyl
• Liquid Gold
• Pentyl Thunderball
• Original Amsterdam Gold

The Laws on Poppers

Poppers are legal to sell in the UK, but only as products not intended for human consumption. These products cannot be sold to individuals under the age of 18.
The UK government and Home Office use the term ‘poppers’ to refer specifically to this type of alkyl nitrite, including isopropyl nitrite products. This is evident in a letter to the ACMD confirming that the product is legal in the UK and should not be included in the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. As Karen Bradley MP stated, “Your assessment of the harms of ‘poppers,’ including the latest formulation isopropyl nitrite, will no doubt inform the regulatory authorities responsible for the General Products Safety Regulations 2005.”

Safety Information

Our poppers are designed as room aromas or odourisers and should not be inhaled directly! In some cases, these products are also used as leather cleaners and should be applied only for that purpose—never for direct inhalation! All our poppers are UK legal alkyl nitrites sold in child-proof and tamper-evident bottles. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES. Contains Alkyl Nitrites. Flammable. Keep away from fire or flame. Eye irritant. If contact occurs, flush eyes with water. Harmful if swallowed. If ingested, drink two glasses of milk or water, induce vomiting, and contact a physician. Avoid skin contact. Do not inhale directly from the bottle. This product is classified in accordance with 67/548/EEC.