ZYNs are a flavored tobacco alternative that has been growing in popularity in recent years. Phillip Morris, ZYN’s parent company, predicts more than 580 million ZYN can sales in 2024.

Consumers are converting in droves to these discreet nicotine pouches placed between your lip and gum to release nicotine into your bloodstream quickly without the anti-social aspects of traditional nicotine consumption, like smoke from cigarettes, vapor plumes from vapes, and spit from dip.

ZYN is available in different nicotine strengths and a variety of flavors to appeal to a variety of needs and tastes. 

ZYN users must consider the safe disposal of pouches after use and the dangers surrounding swallowing a ZYN. In this article, we look at what happens to your body if you accidentally swallow a ZYN pouch and what to do when it happens. 

What Happens If You Swallow a ZYN?

Initial Reactions

Okay, so you’ve accidentally gulped down a ZYN. Firstly, don’t panic. Swallowing one ZYN is unlikely to cause any significant health risks. There may be some initial discomfort and symptoms that range from nausea and dizziness to an increased heart rate and, in more severe cases of people who are more sensitive, vomiting. At this stage, it’s important to monitor the situation. 

Nicotine Absorption

Nicotine pouches are designed to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the mouth. However, if you accidentally swallow a nicotine pouch, this will take it straight to the digestive system, where it is absorbed much more rapidly through the stomach and intestines and can lead to discomfort that may not be associated with usual consumption.

One of the more severe reactions to swallowing a ZYN is nicotine toxicity. Depending on how many pouches are accidentally consumed, this can lead to difficulty breathing, seizures, and, in the worst cases, a loss of consciousness. 

Health Risks of Swallowing a ZYN

Nicotine Poisoning

Nicotine poisoning is caused by overconsumption of nicotine products, which can occur if you swallow a ZYN. The symptoms of nicotine poisoning are:  

• Nausea (and vomiting)
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Confusion
• Increased heart rate
• Respiratory issues
• Loss of consciousness (severe cases only)  

Swallowing ZYNs isn’t the only way that nicotine pouches can lead to nicotine poisoning. One case of a 21-year-old male, who consumed 15 pouches in under 12 hours, “presented to the emergency department with bizarre behavior requiring admission for persistent confusion and nausea which resolved after 24 hours.”

Such as in this case, the more nicotine you consume, the more severe a reaction may occur. A severe reaction is less likely if you are used to higher doses. If a child accidentally consumes a nicotine pouch, symptoms may also be severe due to a lack of tolerance. 

In one case, a “9-year-old boy presented at the Emergency Department with symptoms of nausea, dizziness and shivering following the oral use of one nicotine pouch.” 

Digestive System Impact

Nicotine pouches are designed for consumption through the bloodstream in the mouth and not the digestive system. Fortunately for anybody who accidentally consumes one, ZYNs are made with simple ingredients.

The pouches are plant-derived, so they should be a little easier to stomach than some other products with more chemicals. However, due to the ingredients reacting with your stomach lining and digestive system, you may still have symptoms like nausea, abdominal discomfort, pain, and vomiting. 

Allergic Reactions

In rare cases, somebody who accidentally consumes a ZYN may experience an allergic reaction. The allergy could be to the nicotine in ZYNs or to anything else in the product, such as sweeteners, flavorings, or cellulose. Symptoms of an allergy to ZYNs can range from diarrhea and abdominal pain to swelling of the lips and headaches. 

What to Do If You Swallow a ZYN

Immediate Actions

So, you’ve swallowed a ZYN. Now what? Well, the first thing you should do is drink a tall glass of water. The water should help dilute the nicotine in your digestive system and flush it out. If you’re feeling nauseous, sip small amounts of water over a more extended period instead.

While sipping, monitor symptoms to ensure they are not getting more severe. If your symptoms are worsening and you start to feel faint or confused, contact poison control or a healthcare professional immediately.

When to Seek Medical Attention

People who consume multiple ZYNs or if you are with a child who has consumed ZYNs by mistake should contact a healthcare professional immediately. Additionally, anybody who thinks they may be suffering from nicotine toxicity or poisoning should skip further monitoring and go straight to contacting a healthcare professional.

In some severe cases, healthcare professionals will be able to administer anti-nausea medication, intravenous fluids, and more to slow symptoms of nicotine poisoning. 

Prevention and Safety Tips

Proper Use of Nicotine Pouches

ZYN consumers can avoid accidental ingestion of nicotine pouches by sticking to the guidelines for proper use. 

• Only leave them in your mouth for 20-60 minutes. At this point, they will lose shape and become more squishy in the mouth (and more easily swallowed).
• Don’t drink liquids while you have a ZYN in your mouth; it may be picked up and swallowed, too. 
• Dispose of used nicotine pouches safely in the trash after use. 

In addition to safety measures for safe consumption, keep it out of the reach of children to prevent consumption by a minor. 

Education and Awareness

While severe symptoms are uncommon, swallowing ZYNs can lead to a variety of health concerns that range from nausea to losing consciousness. It’s essential to check the ingredients of any products you plan on consuming to ensure you aren’t allergic to them.

All nicotine products do come with risks associated with elevated heart rate, anxiety, and nausea. These may be exacerbated by swallowing a ZYN by mistake. If you plan on using ZYNs in a household with a child, always store them safely away from the child’s reach to avoid accidental consumption. 

Conclusion

While rumors around the schoolyard growing up might have led you to believe that swallowing chewing gum is going to kill you, you’ll probably survive if it’s just one. The same is true about swallowing ZYNs. However, making a habit of swallowing one or multiple can lead to nicotine poisoning. 

People who consume multiple ZYNs or if you are with a child who has consumed ZYNs by mistake should contact a healthcare professional immediately. Additionally, anybody who thinks they may be suffering from nicotine toxicity or poisoning should skip further monitoring and go straight to contacting a healthcare professional. If you are unsure about the severity of your reaction, contact your healthcare professional.