Smelling salts, often seen in sports or media, provide a sudden jolt of alertness. This raises questions about their nature and whether they are considered a drug. Understanding the science behind these compounds helps clarify their effects and regulatory standing.
What Smelling Salts Are
Smelling salts, also known as ammonia inhalants, are chemical preparations primarily composed of ammonium carbonate, sometimes mixed with perfume or essential oils. When exposed to air, solid ammonium carbonate reacts with moisture to release ammonia gas, which has a characteristic pungent odor. Modern formulations may also contain diluted ammonia dissolved in water and ethanol.
How Smelling Salts Affect the Body
When ammonia gas from smelling salts is inhaled, it strongly irritates the mucous membranes lining the nose and lungs. This irritation triggers an involuntary reflex, causing a deep, sudden gasp. The body’s response includes activation of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. This response can temporarily enhance alertness, particularly in individuals feeling faint or who have fainted.
Are Smelling Salts Considered a Drug?
Smelling salts are generally not classified as a “drug” in the traditional pharmacological sense by major regulatory bodies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has historically approved them as over-the-counter ammonia inhalants for preventing or treating fainting. However, the FDA has recently warned against marketing them as energy boosters or performance enhancers, deeming such uses unapproved.
A “drug” is typically defined as a substance intended to affect the structure or function of the body for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. While smelling salts do affect body function, their mechanism is primarily through irritation and reflex, rather than direct pharmacological action on receptors. They are not controlled substances.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) does not list ammonia or smelling salts as banned substances. Despite this, some individual sports organizations may have their own rules regarding their use. Concerns often relate to safety, such as masking serious injuries, rather than performance enhancement. While athletes use them for perceived focus, limited scientific evidence supports claims of improved strength or athletic performance.
Safety, Risks, and Proper Use
While generally safe for occasional use, smelling salts carry risks with improper or excessive use. Ammonia fumes can cause significant irritation to nasal passages, throat, and lungs, leading to coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes. Prolonged or frequent exposure, or holding them too close, may result in chemical burns or permanent lung damage.
Smelling salts should never be used to revive someone unconscious due to head trauma or a serious medical condition. The sudden reflex jerk away from the irritant could worsen a spinal injury. Furthermore, the temporary alertness provided can mask symptoms of a concussion or other serious injuries, delaying necessary medical assessment and intervention.
Proper use involves holding the product at least 4-6 inches away from the nose and inhaling briefly. This avoids direct or prolonged exposure.