Swallowed your nicotine pouch by accident? Don't panic, you're not alone, and it's usually nothing serious.
Nicotine pouches are designed to sit under your lip, allowing nicotine to absorb through your gums rather than being swallowed. If one goes down by mistake, you'll likely experience nothing more than mild, temporary discomfort.
What to do if you or someone else swallows a nicotine pouch
If you've accidentally swallowed a nicotine pouch, here's what to do:
For adults: Stay calm. Most people experience only mild effects, if any. Watch for symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or stomach discomfort, and drink plenty of water to help your body process the pouch naturally. If symptoms persist beyond a few hours, worsen, or you feel genuinely unwell, seek medical advice.
For children or if multiple pouches have been swallowed: Seek urgent medical attention. Contact NHS 111 or emergency services immediately. Children are far more vulnerable to nicotine due to their smaller body size, and multiple pouches significantly increase the risk of serious symptoms.
For general guidance on poisoning, the NHS poisoning advice page offers comprehensive information.
Remember, nicotine pouches are for adult use only. Always store them safely out of reach of children and pets.
What to expect if you accidentally swallow a nicotine pouch
Accidentally swallowing a nicotine pouch can cause a few mild symptoms, but how you feel really depends on a few things: the pouch strength, your nicotine tolerance, and your body weight. The good news? Serious effects are very rare.
Modern pouches like übbs are made with food-grade ingredients and a controlled-release design, which helps keep things safe and steady. The plant-based pouch material will pass through your system just like fibre in food.
Here’s what you might expect depending on pouch strength:
- Low-strength pouches (2-6mg): Most people won’t notice any symptoms at all, or may feel a little stomach discomfort that quickly passes.
- Mid-strength pouches (8-11mg): You might feel slightly nauseous, light-headed, or get a mild headache but this is usually short-lived.
- High-strength pouches (15mg+): These effects can feel stronger, such as nausea, dizziness, or headache, but they still tend to fade fairly quickly for most adults.
Dr Nandan Dhir, Quality & Research Director at übbs: “Accidentally swallowing a nicotine pouch is rarely dangerous for adults. Our products are made using food-grade materials, which means the pouch itself isn’t harmful and typically passes through the body naturally. In most cases, someone might feel mild nausea, hiccups, or a slight stomach upset — these effects come mainly from nicotine absorption through the stomach, which is slower and less efficient than through the mouth.”
If you’re unsure which nicotine strength you’re using or which suits you best, check out our guide to nicotine pouch strengths for an easy breakdown of what to expect.
When to get medical advice:
Most cases clear up on their own, but it’s best to speak to a healthcare professional if symptoms last for several hours, you’ve swallowed more than one pouch, or you have an existing health condition that might make you more sensitive to nicotine.
How to recognise if you've had too much nicotine
Everyone responds to nicotine a little differently: your tolerance, body weight and experience all play a part. Luckily, your body has built-in ways of telling you when it’s had enough.
Early signs that you’ve reached your limit might include a bit of nausea, feeling warmer or sweaty, or noticing your heart rate pick up slightly. Think of these as your body’s gentle reminder to slow down. If you start feeling dizzy, headachy or just a bit off, that’s your cue to take a break and let your body reset.
These effects don’t last long. Nicotine is processed quickly, mainly through your liver, and naturally leaves your system via your kidneys within a few hours. So, even if you feel unwell for a short while, your body is already working to bring things back to normal.
At übbs, our pouches are designed for a smooth, controlled nicotine release to help minimise discomfort and give you a more balanced experience. If you’re still getting used to pouches, start with a lower strength, pay attention to how your body reacts, and take regular breaks. It’s all about finding what feels right for you.
Dr Nandan Dhir, Quality & Research Director at übbs: “While it’s uncommon for adults to experience serious effects, nicotine is still an active substance, and that means it should always be kept away from children and pets. If a child or pet swallows a pouch, or if an adult feels unwell after doing so, seek medical advice promptly.”
How to prevent accidental swallowing
It’s always easier to prevent an accident than deal with one and a few simple habits can go a long way in avoiding accidental pouch swallowing.
Store pouches safely: Keep your nicotine pouches somewhere secure and out of reach of children or pets. übbs pouches come in resealable tins that help keep them fresh and safe when stored properly.
Dispose of used pouches responsibly: Pop your used pouch into the disposal compartment inside your tin, or wrap it in tissue before throwing it in the bin. Try not to leave used pouches lying around, especially around children or pets as they can easily be mistaken for something else.
Avoid using pouches whilst lying down or sleeping: It might sound obvious, but using pouches only when you’re upright and awake helps prevent accidental swallowing.
Follow manufacturer guidelines: Use pouches exactly as they’re meant to be used: tucked under your lip, not chewed or swallowed. This ensures you get the smoothest, safest experience every time.
Why nicotine pouches aren’t meant to be swallowed
Nicotine pouches are a modern, smoke-free way to enjoy nicotine: no smoke, no vapour, no fuss. Each pouch is made from plant-based fibres, pharmaceutical-grade nicotine, flavourings and food-grade ingredients, carefully chosen for quality and safety. Compared to smoking or vaping, they offer a much cleaner experience without any combustion or lingering smell.
If you ever swallow one by mistake, don’t panic. When swallowed, your body absorbs the nicotine through the digestive tract instead, which isn’t harmful but can sometimes feel uncomfortable.
Ready to enjoy nicotine pouches the right way? Explore the übbs collection to find your perfect flavour and strength, for a cleaner, smoke-free experience that fits your routine.
