What happens if you swallow a nicotine pouch? It can cause unpleasant symptoms and in some cases, can be dangerous, especially for children. If a child or pet has swallowed a pouch, or anyone has serious symptoms, call 998 immediately.
Nicotine pouches are designed to sit between your lip and gum, where nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth. They are not meant to be swallowed. How someone is affected depends on the nicotine strength, how many pouches were swallowed, their body size and whether they regularly use nicotine.
What to do if you or someone else swallows a nicotine pouch
Call 998 immediately if:
- a child has swallowed a pouch, used or unused
- more than one pouch has been swallowed
- anyone has serious nicotine poisoning symptoms, such as repeated vomiting, a fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, confusion, shaking, seizures, fainting or difficulty breathing
For advice in other cases: If an adult has swallowed a single pouch and feels well or has only mild symptoms, such as nausea or stomach discomfort, contact the UAE Poison and Drug Information Service on 800 424 (toll-free) between 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, or speak to a doctor or pharmacist. Outside these hours, contact your nearest clinic, or call 998 if symptoms get worse.
Do not try to make yourself or anyone else vomit unless a healthcare professional tells you to.
If a pet swallows a pouch: Contact a vet straight away. Nicotine can be highly toxic to animals, particularly dogs.
Nicotine pouches are for adults aged 18 and over only. Always store them securely, out of reach of children and pets.
What to expect: symptoms and side effects
How someone feels after swallowing a nicotine pouch varies. It depends on the nicotine strength, the number of pouches, body size and whether the person regularly uses nicotine. Children and people who don't normally use nicotine can be affected much more strongly.
Possible symptoms include nausea, stomach discomfort, vomiting, dizziness, headache, sweating and a faster heartbeat. Higher strength pouches, or swallowing more than one, make symptoms more likely and more severe.
Some of these symptoms are similar to commonly reported nicotine pouches side effects, such as hiccups, nausea and dizziness.
The pouch material is not designed to be digested and will usually pass through the body. If you have stomach pain, repeated vomiting or any symptoms that concern you, seek medical advice.
In the UAE, nicotine pouches must comply with the MoIAT Technical Regulation for Tobacco-Free Nicotine Pouches, which sets a maximum nicotine content of 20mg per pouch.
Dr Nandan Dhir, Quality & Research Director at übbs: "Nicotine pouches are designed to sit under the lip, not to be swallowed. If a pouch is swallowed, the nicotine is absorbed through the digestive system instead, which can cause symptoms such as nausea or stomach upset. If you're worried, or if a child has swallowed a pouch, get medical help straight away."
If you're unsure which strength you're using, check the label on your can or read our guide to nicotine pouch strengths for what to expect.
When to get medical advice: Speak to a healthcare professional or the Poison and Drug Information Service if you have any symptoms after swallowing a pouch, if you have a health condition such as a heart condition, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Call 998 straight away for a child, for more than one pouch, or for any serious symptoms.
Nicotine poisoning symptoms: signs you've had too much nicotine
Taking in more nicotine than your body is used to can cause nicotine poisoning. That can happen by swallowing a pouch, or by using pouches too often or at too high a strength. Early nicotine poisoning symptoms, sometimes searched for as nicotine overdose symptoms, can include nausea, sweating, feeling hot, dizziness, headache and a faster heartbeat.
If you notice these, remove any pouch you're using and stop using nicotine. Get medical advice if symptoms don't settle. Call 998 straight away for serious symptoms such as vomiting that won't stop, chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, confusion, seizures or difficulty breathing.
Nicotine is broken down fairly quickly, mainly by the liver, but its breakdown products can stay in the body for a day or more. How quickly symptoms ease varies from person to person.
Dr Nandan Dhir, Quality & Research Director at übbs: "Nicotine is an active substance and should always be kept away from children and pets. If a child or pet swallows a pouch, get medical help straight away. If an adult feels unwell after swallowing one, seek medical advice promptly."
How to prevent accidental swallowing
It's always easier to prevent an accident than deal with one and a few simple habits can go a long way in avoiding accidental pouch swallowing.
Store pouches safely: Keep nicotine pouches somewhere secure, out of reach of children and pets. übbs pouches come in resealable cans, so always close the lid fully after use.
Dispose of used pouches responsibly: Put used pouches in the disposal compartment in your can [confirm this applies to UAE packaging], or wrap them in tissue before putting them in the bin. Don't leave used pouches lying around, especially near children or pets, as they can easily be mistaken for something else.
Avoid using pouches while lying down or sleeping: Only using pouches when you're upright and awake helps prevent accidental swallowing.
Follow the instructions on the pack: Place pouches between your lip and gum. Never chew or swallow them.
Why nicotine pouches aren't meant to be swallowed
Nicotine pouches are a smoke-free nicotine product for adults. Each pouch contains plant-based fibres, nicotine, flavourings and other ingredients. It is designed to sit between your lip and gum so the nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.
If a pouch is swallowed, the nicotine is absorbed through the digestive system instead. This can cause symptoms such as nausea, stomach discomfort or vomiting and it can be more serious for children or if more than one pouch is swallowed. See the guidance above on what to do.
übbs pouches sold in the UAE comply with the MoIAT Technical Regulation for Tobacco-Free Nicotine Pouches.
Ready to enjoy nicotine pouches the right way? Explore the übbs collection to find your flavour and strength.
