Nicotine pouches are designed to sit between the upper lip and gum. They are not designed to be chewed, bitten or swallowed.
Accidentally swallowing a nicotine pouch can be concerning because pouches contain nicotine, which can be harmful when ingested. This is particularly important if a child, pet, non-nicotine user, or someone who has swallowed multiple pouches is involved.
This guide explains what to do if a nicotine pouch is swallowed, how to use a nicotine pouch correctly, and how to store products such as PEAX Nicotine Pouches safely.
Quick Answer: What Should You Do if a Nicotine Pouch Is Swallowed?
The NHS advises getting medical advice immediately if someone may have swallowed something harmful.
- Call 999 or go to A&E if you think a child, adult or someone else may have swallowed something harmful.
- Call NHS 111 if you are unsure whether what was swallowed could be harmful.
- Do not try to make the person sick.
- Do not give them food or drink while waiting for medical advice.
- Keep the pouch tin or packaging available, as it can help healthcare professionals identify the product and nicotine strength.
If someone is unconscious, having difficulty breathing, choking, having a seizure or becoming seriously unwell, call 999 immediately.
What Can Happen if You Swallow a Nicotine Pouch?
A nicotine pouch contains nicotine, which is an addictive substance and can be harmful when swallowed.
The effects can vary depending on factors such as the nicotine strength, how many pouches were swallowed, the person’s size, their usual nicotine use, and whether they are a child or adult.
Possible symptoms of poisoning can include:
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Dizziness or feeling sleepy
- Confusion
- Diarrhoea
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Symptoms may not always begin immediately, so it is important to seek medical advice promptly rather than waiting to see how the person feels.
Are Nicotine Pouches More Dangerous for Children?
Yes. Nicotine pouches must be kept away from children and pets at all times.
Children are smaller and may be more vulnerable to nicotine exposure. Nicotine pouches can also be mistaken for sweets or small snacks, especially if left on a table, in a bag, on the floor or in an open tin.
Keep both unused and used pouches out of sight and reach of children and pets. Store tins securely in their original packaging and ensure the lid is fully closed after use.
What Should You Not Do if Someone Swallows a Nicotine Pouch?
Do not:
- Try to make the person vomit
- Give food or drink unless advised by a healthcare professional
- Assume that one pouch is harmless
- Throw away the pouch tin or packaging before medical advice has been received
- Wait for symptoms to become severe before seeking help
Take the product packaging with you where possible. It may help healthcare professionals identify the nicotine strength and product type.
How Do You Use a Nicotine Pouch Correctly?
A nicotine pouch should be placed between the upper lip and gum, usually slightly to one side.
To use a nicotine pouch correctly:
- Remove one pouch from the tin.
- Place it between your upper lip and gum.
- Leave it in place without chewing, biting or swallowing it.
- Remove it when you are finished or if it becomes uncomfortable.
- Dispose of the pouch safely in a bin or the used-pouch compartment in the lid, where available.
Most people use a nicotine pouch for around 20 to 60 minutes, although you should always follow the instructions on the specific product packaging.
For a full placement and use guide, read our How to Use a Nicotine Pouch guide.
Can You Chew or Bite a Nicotine Pouch?
No. Nicotine pouches should not be chewed, bitten, sucked or opened.
They are designed to stay intact under the upper lip. Chewing or biting a pouch may release its contents into the mouth and make the experience less comfortable.
If a pouch breaks, remove it and dispose of it safely.
Can You Swallow Saliva While Using a Nicotine Pouch?
Yes. You can swallow normally while using a nicotine pouch.
The pouch itself should remain under your upper lip and gum. The important thing is not to intentionally swallow, chew or bite the pouch.
If the pouch moves, feels uncomfortable or begins to break, remove it and dispose of it safely.
How Can You Reduce the Risk of Accidentally Swallowing a Nicotine Pouch?
You can reduce the risk by following a few simple steps:
- Use one pouch at a time.
- Position it securely between the upper lip and gum.
- Do not chew, bite, suck or play with the pouch.
- Remove it if it becomes uncomfortable or starts moving around.
- Avoid using a pouch when you are falling asleep.
- Keep unopened and used pouches securely stored.
- Dispose of used pouches straight away.
Using a pouch correctly also helps ensure that it stays in place and does not become a choking or swallowing risk.
PEAX Nicotine Pouches: Storage and Responsible Use
PEAX Nicotine Pouches are tobacco-free oral nicotine pouches available from Jenson in mint, fruit and drink-inspired flavour options.
The PEAX range includes:
- Cherry Blast
- Citrus Orange
- Classic Mint
- Cola
- Fresh Mint
- Spearmint
PEAX Nicotine Pouches are listed in strengths from 5mg to 20mg, subject to flavour availability.
Nicotine strength should be considered carefully. Higher-strength pouches are not automatically the right choice for every user, and using more than one pouch at once can increase nicotine exposure.
Store PEAX tins securely, keep them away from children and pets, and dispose of used pouches responsibly.
You can explore the full PEAX Nicotine Pouches range here or compare flavour profiles in our PEAX Flavour Notes guide.
Are Nicotine Pouches Safe?
Nicotine pouches are not harmless products. They contain nicotine, which is addictive.
The UK Committee on Toxicity has said that oral nicotine pouches provide a pharmacologically active dose of nicotine and are not harmless. It also notes that using nicotine pouches alongside smoking, vaping or other nicotine products can increase and prolong nicotine exposure.
Nicotine pouches are intended for adults who already use nicotine. They should not be used by children, young people, people who do not use nicotine, or anyone who is pregnant unless they have spoken to an appropriate healthcare professional.
Nicotine pouches are not licensed nicotine replacement therapy products and should not be presented as a medical smoking cessation treatment.
For support with quitting smoking, speak to a pharmacist, GP or local stop smoking service.
Final Thoughts
Nicotine pouches are designed to stay between the upper lip and gum, not to be swallowed.
If a nicotine pouch is accidentally swallowed, seek medical advice immediately. Do not try to make the person sick, do not give food or drink, and keep the packaging available for healthcare professionals.
For adults aged 18 and over who already use nicotine, correct use, secure storage and responsible disposal are essential.
Browse the PEAX Nicotine Pouches collection and follow product instructions carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
A swallowed nicotine pouch can expose the body to nicotine and may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, dizziness or more serious symptoms. Seek medical advice immediately.
The NHS says to call 999 or go to A&E if someone may have swallowed something harmful. Call NHS 111 if you are unsure whether the substance swallowed could be harmful.
A swallowed nicotine pouch may cause stomach upset, nausea or vomiting. Medical advice should be sought promptly.
No. Nicotine pouches should not be chewed, bitten, sucked or swallowed. They are designed to sit intact between the upper lip and gum.
Yes. You can swallow normally while using a nicotine pouch. The pouch itself should remain securely under the upper lip and should not be swallowed.
Many people keep a nicotine pouch in place for around 20 to 60 minutes. Follow the instructions on the product packaging and remove it sooner if it feels uncomfortable.
PEAX Nicotine Pouches are marketed as tobacco-free nicotine pouches. They still contain nicotine, which is addictive.