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Published 2020-06-25
Last update 2025-09-26
What Happens If You Swallow Nicotine Pouches?
Ever wondered what happens if you swallow snus? The short answer is that you may experience some discomfort, but it is rarely a serious concern. This article explains what happens if you swallow nicotine pouches, including if you can swallow snus spit.
Key Takeaways
- Swallowing snus can cause some discomfort
- Generally, it is not dangerous to swallow snus
- Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and heartburn
- Drinking water and monitoring symptoms can be helpful
- You can swallow snus spit, but most pouches are designed to be spit-free
What Happens If You Swallow Snus or Nicotine Pouches?
Users who buy tobacco-free snus (also known as nicotine pouches in the UK) sometimes wonder what happens if you swallow snus.
Swallowing a nicotine pouch can lead to gastrointestinal irritation, with common symptoms including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Increased salivation
These effects are caused by digestive acids that are attempting to break down the pouch, which is not intended for ingestion.
These symptoms overlap with the early signs of nicotine poisoning.
Can You Swallow Snus?
You can swallow snus, but don’t make a habit out of it. It’s typically not life-threatening, but it can cause the uncomfortable symptoms listed above.
(New to using pouches? Our beginner’s guide to using snus and nicotine pouches explains how to best use them.)
Estimates vary, but one article suggests that a lethal dose of nicotine is between 6.5-13mg nicotine per kilogram of body weight.1 For a 70kg adult, a lethal dose of nicotine would therefore be between 455mg and 910mg.
You would need to swallow 23-45 pouches at 20 mg strength to reach this range.
Remember that individual sensitivity and nicotine tolerance can vary, so accidental ingestion may still be risky at lower doses.
Does Swallowing Snus Make It More Effective?
Some people think that swallowing nicotine pouches makes them more effective, but this is wrong. In fact, this actually makes nicotine absorption less efficient.
| Putting a Pouch in Your Mouth | Swallowing a Pouch |
| Around 60% of the nicotine is absorbed through the oral mucosa after 60 minutes.2 | Only between 30-40% of the nicotine is absorbed.1 |
The figures above represent average levels of absorption. Pouch characteristics (such as dry vs moist) and individual variability will affect how much nicotine you absorb.
If you want more effect out of your nicotine pouch, opt for a higher-strength pouch.
Can You Swallow Spit from Nicotine Pouches or Snus Spit?
You can swallow spit from nicotine pouches, but it’s up to you whether you should do it.
Some people enjoy the extra nicotine flavour and effect that can occur from swallowing the spit.
However, others will notice symptoms such as indigestion, acid reflux, or hiccups.
Are You Supposed to Spit with Nicotine Pouches?
If you shop nicotine pouches online, you may notice that many are marketed as spit-free.
So, if you’re wondering, “Are you supposed to spit with nicotine pouches?”, the answer is no.
If you find that your mouth is producing more saliva than desired when using nicotine pouches, try choosing a dry pouch. These are intended to produce less saliva than moister pouches.
What to Do if You Swallow Snus
If you swallow a pouch, not to worry. Just follow these simple steps:
- Drink lots of water. This helps to dilute stomach contents and reduce irritation.
- Eat a light snack, as this can help ease your stomach.
- Notice the symptoms you experience—mild discomfort is not a cause for concern.
- If you experience any symptoms like dizziness, vomiting, or abdominal pain, talk to a healthcare professional.
The Bottom Line
In summary, what happens if you swallow nicotine pouches is usually a temporary discomfort, but it’s unlikely to result in serious harm.
However, repeated ingestion of pouches or the use of multiple pouches can increase these risks. Follow manufacturer guidance and consult a healthcare professional if you would like more guidance.
FAQs What Happens if You Swallow Nicotine Pouches
What happens if you accidentally swallow a nicotine pouch?
Swallowing a pouch may cause nausea, vomiting, or heartburn, but is rarely dangerous unless done repeatedly or in large quantities.
Can you swallow snus or nicotine pouches safely?
While not recommended, swallowing one pouch is unlikely to cause serious harm. However, it can irritate your stomach.
Are you supposed to spit when using nicotine pouches?
Most nicotine pouches are designed to be spit-free.
Can you swallow snus spit?
Yes, but it may cause indigestion or hiccups in some users.
Does swallowing nicotine pouches make them more effective?
No. Nicotine is absorbed more efficiently through the mouth lining than the stomach.
References
- Statement on the bioavailability of nicotine from the use of oral nicotine pouches and assessment of the potential toxicological risk to users. Committee on Toxicity.
- Pharmacokinetic Comparison of a Novel Non-tobacco-Based Nicotine Pouch (ZYN) With Conventional, Tobacco-Based Swedish Snus and American Moist Snuff. Erik Lunell, Karl Fagerström, John Hughes, and Robert Pendrill.
