Ismael Koné inhaled Penthrox, the fast-acting ‘green whistle’ used only under medical supervision | OneFootball

The image of Ismael Koné lying on the turf after a serious tibia injury in a collision with a Qatari opponent travelled worldwide. As he left on a stretcher, he waved to World Cup fans while inhaling from a green device.

According to Diario Vasco, the device was Penthrox, an inhaled analgesic designed to quickly reduce pain, not eliminate it, and it must be given under clinical supervision. It is not available in pharmacies and has been approved in Europe for several years.

Penthrox contains methoxyflurane and is popularly dubbed the green whistle for its colour and the noise it makes. It is typically administered in hospitals or by emergency crews when rapid relief is needed for acute pain.

The medicine is not injected or swallowed. A clinician pours the liquid into a green inhaler and the patient breathes through the mouthpiece, initially taking gentle breaths to get used to its fruity smell.

Users can partly control its effect by covering a specific vent on the device, always following professional guidance. It is often seen at sporting events, accidents or trauma scenes while patients are moved or treated.

Like any drug, Penthrox can cause side effects, with dizziness affecting more than one in 10 people. Other common effects include drowsiness, headache, nausea, taste changes and cough, and it may impair driving or machinery use.

Serious reactions needing immediate care can occur, including severe allergies, liver problems, kidney issues or breathing difficulties.

Source: Diario Vasco