What would happen if you drank a bottle of vape liquid?
Leave a message
Drinking a bottle of vape liquid is extremely dangerous and constitutes a medical emergency. The primary risk comes from nicotine poisoning, which can be fatal.
Here is a breakdown of what would happen and what you must do.
Immediate Dangers and Symptoms
The effects would be rapid and severe, especially for an adult-sized bottle (typically 30-60ml). The main components of vape juice and their dangers when ingested are:
| Component | Role in Vaping | Effect When Ingested |
|---|---|---|
| Nicotine | The addictive stimulant. | Extremely Toxic. Causes nicotine poisoning. A typical 30ml bottle of 3mg/ml strength contains 90mg of nicotine. A 30ml bottle of 50mg/ml salt nicotine contains a lethal 1,500mg of nicotine. |
| Propylene Glycol (PG) & Vegetable Glycerin (VG) | The base liquid that produces vapor. | Low toxicity in small amounts, but ingesting a large volume can cause gastrointestinal distress like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. |
Symptoms of severe nicotine poisoning would appear quickly and can include:
Early Stage: Nausea, vomiting, excessive salivation, abdominal pain, pallor, sweating, and dizziness.
Advanced Stage: Confusion, agitation, tremors, seizures, elevated blood pressure and heart rate (followed by a dangerous drop), difficulty breathing, and cardiac arrest.
The lethal dose of nicotine for an adult is estimated to be between 50-60 mg for a non-tolerant person. As shown above, even a single bottle of standard e-liquid can contain far more than this.
What to Do Immediately (EMERGENCY PROTOCOL)
This is not a situation to "wait and see." If you or someone you know has ingested vape liquid, you must act immediately.
Call for Emergency Help Immediately. In the US and Canada, dial 911. In the UK, dial 999. In Australia, dial 000. Tell the operator exactly what was ingested: "A bottle of vape liquid" and, if you know it, the nicotine strength.
Call a Poison Control Center. While waiting for emergency services, contact your local poison control center for specific instructions. In the US, the national number is 1-800-222-1222. They are experts in toxicology and can provide crucial first-aid advice.
Do NOT Induce Vomiting. Unless specifically instructed to do so by a poison control expert or a 911 operator, do not induce vomiting. Nicotine is a corrosive substance and can cause additional damage to the esophagus and throat on the way back up.
Provide Information. Try to bring the bottle of e-liquid to the emergency room so medical staff can see the exact ingredients and nicotine concentration.
Special Warning for Children and Pets
The risks are even greater for children and pets due to their small body size. Even a few milliliters of a high-nicotine liquid can be fatal for a small child. It is absolutely critical to store all vaping products securely, locked away, and out of reach of children and pets.
In summary, drinking vape liquid is a life-threatening act. The outcome could easily be fatal due to the high concentration of nicotine. Your only response should be to seek immediate emergency medical attention.
