Accidentally Swallowed a Zyn? Here's Why You Shouldn't Panic

Alleres

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posted on 2 days ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Zyn is a brand of nicotine pouches meant to sit between the gum and lip that allow nicotine to absorb into the bloodstream as a tobacco substitute. Because of the chemicals contained in the pouch, you should never intentionally swallow a Zyn. If you accidentally do, however, don’t panic. In this article, we’ll explain what happens if you swallow a Zyn, what to do if you did, and answer other common questions to teach you all the facts.

Is swallowing a Zyn dangerous?

What happens if you swallow a Zyn?

Swallowing a Zyn may cause nausea, dizziness, and discomfort. There are two main factors to consider in determining the severity of the symptoms after you’ve accidentally swallowed a Zyn: dosage and tolerance. Lower dose Zyns (2-6mg) are likely to result in only mild symptoms, like mild stomach pain, dizziness, and nausea. Higher dose Zyns (15mg+) will naturally affect the body more intensely, causing intense gastrointestinal discomfort, dizziness, vomiting, and cold sweats. If the person who swallowed it has a very low tolerance for nicotine, it’s likely to affect them more severely as well. While you should never swallow a Zyn on purpose, swallowing one accidentally should not be a source of panic. The pouch itself is made up of safe-to-consume ingredients like cellulose and flavorings, with a similar composition to that of gum. The nicotine inside the Zyn pouches is designed to be absorbed by the soft tissue of your gums. Your stomach lining is much thicker, so the effects of nicotine will likely feel less pronounced, especially if you’re a regular user.

What to Do If You Swallowed a Zyn Pouch

For mild to moderate symptoms, drink water, have a snack, and rest. These symptoms are most common after accidentally ingesting a Zyn and should be monitored carefully. If you’re feeling a little dizzy, lightheaded, or feel a bit of abdominal pain, drinking 2 or 3 glasses of water and coating your stomach with something light and absorbent, like bread or crackers, can help mitigate your discomfort. Lie down and rest for an hour or so until the symptoms start to subside—you’ll know you’re in the clear then. If your symptoms worsen after an hour, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 (US).

For severe symptoms, call poison control. If you find yourself in serious gastrointestinal distress, violently ill, dizzy, and/or drenched in cold sweats, don’t hesitate to call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 (US). They’ll stay on the line and will advise you properly. Don’t try to make yourself vomit unless instructed to do so. Try to have someone stay with you as an added precaution. If you begin experiencing symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, confusion, or intense, continuous vomiting, call emergency services.

Is it bad to swallow a Zyn Pouch?

Swallowing a Zyn is not usually cause for serious concern. While no one should intentionally swallow a Zyn, doing so should not lead to serious issues. Zyns contain zero tobacco, so your stomach won’t be nearly as affected as if you swallowed snus, a similar product made up of ground tobacco, for example. However, while Zyn pouches are made up of safe and edible ingredients, nicotine is still a chemical that should not be swallowed regularly, or ideally, at all.

How to Use Nicotine Pouches Safely

Take proper safety measures to avoid swallowing a Zyn. Swallowing a Zyn won’t be the last thing you do, but it can still lead to an uncomfortable experience. Prevent swallowing any Zyns in the future by being extra careful and abiding by a few key rules. Pack the pouch properly and tightly under your upper lip to ensure that it’s secure and won’t budge. Try not to drink or eat while the Zyns are in your mouth. Moreover, don’t take a nap with a mouth full of Zyns! Here are some other examples of best Zyn practices: Avoid eating or drinking heavily while using nicotine pouches. Remove pouches before sleeping. Don’t chew the Zyn. If you’re just starting your Zyn journey, stick to one pouch at a time. Keep the pouch in place for no more than 60 minutes. Use an upper decky lip pillow for better pouch stability.

FAQs

Can you swallow Zyn spit? Yes, swallowing the saliva produced by the Zyn is generally considered safe. In fact, it may actually enhance the effects of the nicotine since your body is absorbing it via both the soft tissue of your gums and the lining of your stomach. However, if you experience any negative side effects like nausea, it might be best to switch to a lower dose.

Is nicotine poisoning possible from swallowing one pouch? Nicotine poisoning after swallowing on Zyn pouch is highly unlikely. For the average adult weighing around 150lbs (70kg), nicotine toxicity occurs after ingesting 35-70mg of nicotine; one pouch can be as strong as 15mg. The toxic threshold also depends on tolerance and how many Zyn pouches are in the mouth at once. If more than one pouch is accidentally swallowed, it significantly increases the risk of nicotine poisoning. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include extreme dizziness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and excessive vomiting. Seek emergency assistance if you suspect you have nicotine poisoning.