What Happens If You Swallow a Nicotine Pouch

Sep 18

Nicotine pouches have become a trendy choice for people looking for a smokeless way to get their nicotine fix instead of using regular tobacco products. Even though these pouches are meant to be kept in the mouth for a gradual release of nicotine, sometimes accidents occur, and someone might accidentally swallow one.

In this article, we will look into what happens if you swallow a nicotine pouch, the immediate effects, and the dangers of nicotine poisoning. We will also talk about situations that could cause someone to swallow a pouch by mistake and share some helpful tips to avoid these accidents.

Can You Swallow Nicotine Pouches?

Swallowing nicotine pouches is not recommended and should be avoided at all costs. These pouches are designed for oral use, where the nicotine is absorbed through the tissues in the mouth. When swallowed, the body processes nicotine differently, which can lead to a rapid and concentrated release into the system, increasing the risk of nicotine poisoning.

Nicotine poisoning occurs when the body is exposed to too much nicotine, either through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, increased heart rate, headaches, and in more severe cases, seizures or respiratory failure. While it is rare for nicotine poisoning to be fatal, it can still be a serious medical emergency, especially in high doses.

Common Scenarios of Accidental Swallowing

Sometimes, people accidentally swallow nicotine pouches in everyday situations, usually because they aren't used to them or something surprising happens. This can happen to anyone, whether they're new to using nicotine or have done it before, but it's especially common for those trying it for the first time or who don't know much about nicotine products.

Speaking While Using the Pouch

Many people often keep nicotine pouches tucked between their gum and cheek. However, if a person is speaking or laughing while using the pouch, it can shift position and accidentally slip into the throat. This is especially true for those who are not used to having something in their mouth for an extended period.

Sleeping with the Pouch

Falling asleep with a nicotine pouch still in the mouth is another common cause of accidental swallowing. This can occur if the user forgets to remove the pouch before going to bed, or if they unintentionally fall asleep while using it during the day. In this case, muscle relaxation during sleep can cause the pouch to slip and be swallowed.

Inexperience

First-time users or those unfamiliar with nicotine pouches may not know how to position them properly in the mouth. Inexperienced users might accidentally move the pouch around while trying to find a comfortable position, increasing the risk of accidentally swallowing it.

Physical Activity or Eating and Drinking:

Users who engage in physical activities like exercising, running, or even bending over may unintentionally dislodge the pouch. Similarly, eating or drinking with a nicotine pouch in the mouth can make it difficult to maintain its proper placement, raising the chances of accidentally swallowing it.

New or Stronger Pouch Variants

People transitioning from lower to higher strength nicotine pouches may also experience discomfort or confusion about how to handle the stronger effects, which could result in the accidental swallowing of the pouch. Similarly, switching to a different size or style of pouch might lead to unfamiliar sensations, increasing the likelihood of accidental swallowing.

Preventing Accidental Swallowing

Always ensure that the nicotine pouch is securely tucked between the gum and cheek, typically in the upper lip.

When using a nicotine pouch, try to avoid excessive talking, laughing, or any sudden mouth movements that could dislodge the pouch.

Remove the nicotine pouch before going to bed or taking a nap. Setting a timer or alarm can help remind you to remove the pouch if you're using it close to bedtime.

If you plan to eat or drink while using a nicotine pouch, consider removing it beforehand to avoid accidental ingestion.

Avoid using nicotine pouches during vigorous physical activities, such as running, exercising, or bending over frequently.

New users should start with smaller-sized pouches and lower nicotine strengths until they become accustomed to the sensation.

Choosing a nicotine pouch that is the right size for your mouth can reduce the risk of accidental swallowing.

What Happens If You Swallow a Nicotine Pouch?

Eating one nicotine pouch won't have a big effect.But if you eat too many nicotine pouches, you could get poisoned.

Short-Term Effects

Nausea and Vomiting
Dizziness and Headaches
Stomach Irritation

Nicotine Poisoning Risk

Nicotine poisoning occurs when the body absorbs too much nicotine, overwhelming the nervous system. The severity of the poisoning depends on how much nicotine is ingested and the individual's tolerance.

Mild Symptoms:

Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
Sweating
Nausea
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Tremors or shakiness
Headache

Moderate to Severe Symptoms:

Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
Confusion or disorientation
Increased blood pressure
Seizures (in extreme cases)
Respiratory failure (in rare, severe cases)

Impact of Dosage

The More Nicotine in the Pouch, the Higher the Risk.

Low-Dose Pouches (e.g., 2-4 mg): May cause mild symptoms such as nausea or dizziness if swallowed, but generally less likely to lead to severe poisoning in an adult.
High-Dose Pouches (e.g., 8-12 mg or more): Swallowing pouches with higher nicotine concentrations can lead to more severe symptoms of poisoning, particularly in individuals with low nicotine tolerance or children.

What to Do If You Accidentally Swallow A Nicotine Pouch?

If you swallow a nicotine pouch by mistake, there's no need to freak out. These pouches do have nicotine salts and flavors that can be harmful, but they only become a problem if you eat a lot of them. If you just swallowed a little bit, you should be fine.

Also, most of the newer nicotine pouches are made from materials that break down easily, which means your body doesn't absorb as much nicotine from them when they're in your stomach. So, if you accidentally eat one, you really don’t need to stress.

If you’re still feeling anxious or unwell, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor. They can help you figure out what to do next and give you tips on what to watch for if you’ve had too much nicotine. If you accidentally swallow snus, definitely reach out to a doctor.

What To Do If Your Toddler Ate a Nicotine Pouch?

If your little one accidentally eats a nicotine pouch, it’s super important to act fast because nicotine can be really dangerous for young kids.

If you see that your toddler has a nicotine pouch in their mouth or has chewed on it, take out any leftover pieces right away.
Get in touch with your local poison control center immediately for help. In the U.S., you can call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. They will tell you what to do next based on how much nicotine was swallowed and how your child is feeling.

Look for signs of nicotine poisoning, which can show up quickly in kids and might include:

- Feeling sick or throwing up

- Skin looking pale

- Sweating a lot

- Feeling dizzy or weak

- Heart beating fast

- Shaking or trembling

- Trouble breathing

- Seizures (in really serious cases)

To stop this from happening again, always keep nicotine pouches and other nicotine products far away from kids. Make sure they are in childproof containers and never leave them where a child can easily get to them.

FAQ

What are nicotine pouches?

Nicotine pouches are smokeless products designed to deliver nicotine without the use of tobacco. Unlike traditional smokeless tobacco products like snus or chewing tobacco, nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco leaf. Instead, they are composed of other materials and have nicotine added to provide the desired effect.

Each pouch contains nicotine, which is absorbed through the oral mucosa (the tissues in the mouth). The nicotine in these pouches is often derived from tobacco plants but is processed to be nicotine-only.

How do I use nicotine pouches?

You should put the pouch between your gum and the inside of your upper lip, where it can sit comfortably.

Once you have it in place, make sure to adjust it so it feels good. It should be tight enough to stay put but not so tight that it hurts or bothers you.

Keep the pouch in for the suggested time, which is usually about 20 to 60 minutes, depending on what kind you have. While it's there, nicotine will slowly be released and absorbed into your bloodstream through the inside of your mouth.

When the time is up, or if you stop feeling the effects of nicotine, take the pouch out of your mouth. Make sure to throw it away properly, usually in a trash can.

Can you swallow your saliva with nicotine pouches?

It's usually okay to swallow your saliva when you're using nicotine pouches. Unlike some other types of smokeless tobacco that you might have to spit out, nicotine pouches are made to be used without spitting. So, the saliva that mixes with the pouch can be swallowed just like you normally would.

Are nicotine pouches snus?

Nicotine pouches and snus are both ways to get nicotine without smoking, but they have some important differences. Nicotine pouches are made without any tobacco; they use a base that has nicotine and is made from plant fibers or synthetic stuff. This makes them a tobacco-free choice for people who want nicotine, and they are easy to use and discreet.

On the other hand, snus is made from ground tobacco leaves, which means it has nicotine and other ingredients mixed in. Snus is a moist product that releases nicotine when placed in the mouth, but it comes with health risks linked to tobacco.

In summary, both products help people get nicotine, but nicotine pouches are seen as safer since they don’t have tobacco, while snus has the health dangers that come with using tobacco.

How long should I leave a nicotine pouch in?

You can usually keep a nicotine pouch in for as long as you feel comfortable, but most people tend to use them for around 20 to 60 minutes. There isn't a hard rule about how long to keep them in, but it's a good idea to check the manufacturer's instructions for the best results. Many nicotine pouches are made to keep their flavor and deliver nicotine effectively for about an hour, so if you want, you can enjoy them for that long.

What strength should I use?

When picking the strength of a nicotine pouch, you should think about how much nicotine you can handle and your experience with it. A popular strength that many people find works well is about 26 mg/g. Experts and trusted brands often recommend this level because it provides a good amount of nicotine without being too much for beginners. In the end, the best strength for you will depend on what you like and how much you can tolerate. It’s a good idea to start with a lower strength and then change it based on how you feel and what suits you best.

How do I store nicotine pouches?

If You're Going to Use Them Soon

Keep your nicotine pouches in the fridge if you plan to use them before they go bad. The cold helps keep their taste and strength intact.

Freezing:

If You Won't Use Them for a While:

If you don't think you'll use the nicotine pouches before they expire, putting them in the freezer is a smart choice. Freezing keeps them fresh for a longer time.

Vacuum Sealing:

For Long-Term Storage

If you decide to freeze your nicotine pouches, it's a good idea to vacuum seal them first. This reduces their contact with air and moisture, which can make them less effective over time.

Nick Huang