FDA reviewing inhalable caffeine AeroShot

LOS ANGELES

The Food and Drug Administration is looking into the safety of the new inhalable shots of caffeine recently introduced in some states.

It may be gaining popularity on college campuses, but doctors and lawmakers are raising concerns.

It's a portable energy kick and it comes in a pouch, delivering a 100-mg shot of caffeine with each use. That's equal to about a cup of coffee.

The FDA said it will review information brought to the agency's attention about the product and that they'll consider whether regulatory action is warranted.

It's an investigation welcomed by some health experts concerned about people who might do shot after easy shot.

"You could easily overdose or succumb to some toxicity associated with the caffeine ingestion. You could mix it with alcohol in a social setting," said Dr. Bruce Goldberger, a professor at the University of Florida.

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-New York) wants to see AeroShot taken off the market.

"It's very possible that snorting caffeine is dangerous, particularly to a 12-year-old. There are no age limits on the product and certainly dangerous when used in combination with alcohol," Schumer said.

AeroShot creator David Edwards said it's no more dangerous than drinking coffee and, in fact, comes in controlled doses.

"We're confident that as they look at the product, that they will confirm what we hold: that the product is both safe and complies with all FDA regulations," Edwards said.

So far, AeroShot is only on the market in New York and Massachusetts, but it's available to anyone who wants to purchase it online.

Copyright © 2024 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.