This paper reviews the scientific evidence generated in the last two decades on the effects and mechanisms of action of most commonly misused inhalants. In the first section, we define what inhalants are, how they are used, and their prevalence worldwide. The second section presents specific characteristics that define the main groups of inhalants: (a) organic solvents; (b) aerosols, gases, and volatile anesthetics; and (c) alkyl nitrites. We include a table with the molecular formula, structure, synonyms, uses, physicochemical properties and exposure limits of representative compounds within each group. The third and fourth sections review the direct acute and chronic effects of common inhalants on health and behavior with a summary of mechanisms of action, respectively. In the fifth section, we address inhalant intoxication signs and available treatment. The sixth section examines the health effects, intoxication, and treatment of nitrites. The seventh section reviews current intervention strategies. Finally, we propose a research agenda to promote the study of (a) solvents other than toluene; (b) inhalant mixtures; (c) effects in combination with other drugs of abuse; (d) age and (e) sex differences in inhalant effects; (f) the long-lasting behavioral effects of animals exposed in utero to inhalants; (g) abstinence signs and neurochemical changes after interrupting inhalant exposure; (h) brain networks involved in inhalant effects; and finally (i) strategies to promote recovery of inhalant users.

本文回顾了过去二十年来产生的关于最常被误用的吸入剂的影响和作用机制的科学证据。在第一部分，我们定义了吸入剂是什么、它们的使用方式以及它们在全球范围内的流行程度。第二部分介绍了定义吸入剂主要类别的具体特征： (a) 有机溶剂；(b) 气溶胶、气体和挥发性麻醉剂；(c) 亚硝酸烷基酯。我们包括一张表格，其中列出了每组中代表性化合物的分子式、结构、同义词、用途、物理化学性质和接触限值。第三和第四部分分别回顾了常见吸入剂对健康和行为的直接急性和慢性影响，并总结了作用机制。在第五部分，我们解决吸入中毒迹象和可用的治疗方法。第六部分检查了亚硝酸盐的健康影响、中毒和治疗。第七部分回顾了当前的干预策略。最后，我们提出了一项研究议程，以促进对（a）甲苯以外的溶剂的研究；(b) 吸入混合物；(c) 与其他滥用药物合用的影响；(d) 吸入效应的年龄和 (e) 性别差异；(f) 暴露的动物的长期行为影响 (d) 吸入效应的年龄和 (e) 性别差异；(f) 暴露的动物的长期行为影响 (d) 吸入效应的年龄和 (e) 性别差异；(f) 暴露的动物的长期行为影响在子宫内吸入；(g) 中断吸入暴露后的禁欲迹象和神经化学变化；(h) 涉及吸入效应的大脑网络；最后 (i) 促进吸入剂使用者康复的策略。