ethyl nitrite

Ethyl nitrite is a small molecule alkyl nitrite (chemical formula C2H5NO2) that has historically been used as an ingredient in traditional remedies for colds and flu—most notably in the South African preparation "Witdulsies" and in the US as "sweet spirit of nitre"[3][8]. It acts primarily as a vasodilator through the release of nitric oxide (NO), which relaxes vascular smooth muscle[6]. Ethyl nitrite is rapidly absorbed due to its high volatility and can cross cell membranes easily. Its main toxic effect is methemoglobinemia—a potentially fatal condition where hemoglobin is oxidized such that it cannot carry oxygen effectively[3][6]. The compound participates in the nitrate–nitrite–nitric oxide pathway in mammals. Due to safety concerns including risk of severe or fatal methemoglobinemia, over-the-counter sales have been banned by regulatory agencies such as the FDA since 1980[3]. Ethyl nitrite has no current approved pharmaceutical indications but may still be found in some traditional or experimental preparations.

Other names

ethyl alcohol nitritenitrous acid ethyl esternitrethylsweet spirit of nitresweet nitrite