NEWS10 ABC: Albany, New York News, Weather, SportsInhalable caffeine "Aero Shot" under scrutiny by FDA

Inhalable caffeine "Aero Shot" under scrutiny by FDA

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ALBANY, N.Y. - It's being marketed as zero-calorie, inhalable caffeine, a new way to get a quick boost of energy.

"It's more dangerous because you can inhale this stuff, and get 10 cups of coffee in two minutes," says New York Senator Chuck Schumer. 

Schumer says one shot of Aero Shot is equal to the amount of caffeine in one cup of coffee. But some call it extremely dangerous, dangerous enough that the Food and Drug Administration is launching an investigation to find out.

Many people's fears about Aero Shot go beyond just the product itself, but what could happen if it's abused or mixed with something else, like alcohol. Since the inhalable caffeine is so potent, people worry the emergency room could be the end result for those who give it a try.

First, it was Four Loko banned from the shelves, now Schumer is calling for Aero Shot to disappear as well.

"To market an inhalable form of a drug that is used to increase your energy, is kind of treading on thin ice," adds Dr. Jim Saperstone.

Some say if you do the math, the end result is pretty scary.

"This drug shouldn't be on our shelves until the FDA thoroughly checks it out," says Schumer.

Dr. Saperstone says caffeine can be a powerful drug by itself, and with Aero Shot being marketed for recreational use at clubs or parties, the harsh effects could heighten.

"It's a form of a drug that you can put in your pocket and spray it in your lungs as you're drinking, so you get the initial stimulation effects of alchol, and the significant cardiovascular effects of caffeine."

"I already see kids doing those things, because I teach 8th grade," adds Heather Leader. "They're already drinking the monster drinks and the amp drinks, it's just one more thing for them to use."

Leader is both a teacher and a mom of four kids.  She says the temptation for teens to not only use Aero Shot, but also abuse it is there.

"It's just worrisome, that everyone is getting so artificially energized all the time," she says.

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