The effect of ingesting sodium azide has been likened to the simultaneous ingestion of both nitrite and cyanide. Although azide ingestion does not lead to significant blood discolouration or reduction in oxygen carrying ability.
In the period prior to loss of consciousness, symptoms include nausea, gastric irritation and the development of moderate to severe headache. This is presumably due to a rapid drop in blood pressure. Indeed, in a report commissioned by CLW into the use of azide as a possible suicide agent, toxicologist Dr DHM Counotte discussed the benefit of taking an analgesic (pain relief drug) together with an anti-emetic (anti-nausea drug). Paracetamol or naproxin were suggested, although it is hard to see how 500mg paracetamol could ameliorate the symptoms of a significant hypotensive headache.
Dr Counotte also addressed three relevant questions:
# 1: Is sodium azide definitely deadly? Answer: Yes, sodium azide is certainly deadly. The lowest fatal dose is approximately 1 to 2 grams for people and a dose of more than 10 grams is certainly fatal.
#2: What are the side effects of sodium azide ingestion? Answer: The side effects may be (within a few minutes after ingestion): headache, perspiration, fainting, drop in blood pressure, arrhythmia, vomiting, diarrhea, nasal discharge, sore throat and shortness of breath.
#3: Can these side effects caused by azide ingestion be limited? Answer: Taking analgesics prior to the azide can help for headache and throat irritation.
