Smelling salts, also known as ammonia inhalants, are chemical compounds that produce a strong vapor to stimulate the respiratory and circulatory systems. The active ingredient, ammonia gas, irritates the membranes of the nose and lungs, triggering an involuntary inhalation reflex. This rapid, deep breath increases oxygen flow to the brain, helping to revive consciousness or stimulate heightened alertness.
Finding Them In Major Retail Chains
Smelling salts are stocked in a variety of physical stores, though their availability can fluctuate based on local inventory and regional demand. General merchandise stores with substantial health and first aid sections are a primary source for finding these products on shelves. You may find them in the pharmacy or health and wellness aisles, often placed near cold and flu remedies or other over-the-counter nasal decongestants.
Major pharmacy chains are another common in-store option, where the products are typically categorized as first-aid supplies. If you cannot locate them in the general first-aid section, check the aisles dedicated to athletic braces, wraps, and sports supplements. It is advisable to call ahead or check the store’s website for specific stock at your local branch.
Sporting goods retailers are also reliable places to check, particularly due to the product’s increasing popularity among powerlifters and other strength athletes. These stores often carry specialized versions formulated for performance enhancement. Look near lifting accessories, pre-workout supplements, or other performance-based training aids.
Understanding Product Types and Potency
Once in the store, you will typically encounter two distinct commercial forms of ammonia inhalants, each with a different mechanism of activation and intended use. The traditional form is the sealed glass or plastic ampoule, designed for single-use application. These capsules contain a liquid mixture of ammonia, water, and sometimes alcohol, and they must be crushed between the fingers to release the vapor before use.
A more contemporary option, often favored by athletes, is the multi-use plastic bottle containing a powder mixture, such as ammonium carbonate. This product requires the user to add a small amount of water to the powder to initiate the chemical reaction that releases the ammonia gas. This bottled form is significantly more potent than the single-use capsules and is capable of providing multiple inhalations before its strength fades.
The crushed capsule provides a controlled, single dose of ammonia vapor, making it suitable for first-aid applications like treating momentary lightheadedness. In contrast, the water-activated bottle allows for repeated use during an extended lifting session or sporting event. The stronger bottled salts are often more common in athletic supply sections.
Safe Application and Handling
Ammonia inhalants function by causing a sharp, irritating sensation that dramatically increases breathing and heart rate, which is why they must be used with caution. To prevent chemical burns to the sensitive nasal membranes, the product should be held at a distance of at least 4 to 6 inches from the nose during inhalation. The vapor should be inhaled only briefly, providing a quick stimulation rather than prolonged exposure.
Ammonia is a corrosive chemical and can cause localized irritation if it contacts the skin or eyes in its concentrated form. These stimulants are designed for momentary arousal and should not be used frequently or for extended periods. A contraindication for use is any situation involving a suspected head or neck injury, such as a concussion. The involuntary head-jerk reaction accompanying sudden inhalation could inadvertently worsen a potential spinal injury.