Amyl nitrite was first documented in 1844 and came into medical use in 1867.[5] It was available as a generic medication; however, is no longer approved for medical use in the United States.[6][1] It came into common recreational use in the 1960s particularly by the gay community in the United States.[2][4] Common street names include "poppers" and "pearls".[2] Butyl nitrite and isobutyl nitrite are sometimes sold claiming to be amyl nitrite for recreational use.[2]