Camphor is an organic substance derived from plants sources that is used in the following conditions:

• For the relief of cough and irritation in the throat associated with the common cold.
• For the mild to moderate pain associated with backache, muscle sprains, cramps, and arthritis.
• to soothe the irritation and discomfort brought on by minor burns, cuts, insect bites, and rashes brought on by poison oak, poison ivy, and  poison sumac.

Camphor dose in Adults

Camphor dose in the treatment of Cough:

• Inhale via a vaporizer two or three times a day.

Topical Use in Pain:

• Apply to affected area up to four times a day for two weeks.

Use in Pruritus and Pain:

• Apply the topical gel to affected area thrice or four times per day.

Camphor dose in Childrens

Camphor dose in the treatment of Cough:

• Inhale via a vaporizer two or three times a day.

Topical Use in Pain:

• Apply to affected area up to four times a day for two weeks.

Use in Pruritus and Pain:

• Apply the topical gel to affected area thrice or four times per day.

Dose in Pregnancy & lactation

• You can use topical agents during pregnancy. It can cause fetal toxicities and even death if taken orally.

Use during breastfeeding

• It can be applied topically or inhaled. Avoid applying it near or over the nipple as this could cause serious adverse effects for the chid.

Camphor Dose in Renal Disease:

The manufacturer has not recommended any dose adjustment in patients with renal disease.

Camphor Dose in Liver Disease:

The manufacturer has not recommended any dose adjustment in patients with liver disease.

Side Efffects of Camphor

The manufacturer has not listed any side effects. However, the topical OTC medicine can cause local irritation, itching, and pruritis. If ingested accidentally, it can cause anaphylaxis, seizures, and death.

Contraindication to Camphor include:

• Avoid applying it to damaged or irritated skin
• Discontinue if allergic symptoms develop
• Avoid involving children younger than 12 years old.

Warnings and Precautions

• Liquid for steam inhalation (OTC):
  • This is only recommended for steam inhalation.
  • Patients with chronic or persistent cough due to asthma, COPD, or other chronic lung conditions should use the drug with caution.
  • You should not heat the product in a microwave, or place it near an open flame.
  • Avoid placing the vaporizer too close on the face, or inhaling it.
  • Hot water should not be mixed with the product.
  • If the cough lasts more than a week and is accompanied by a fever, rash, or ongoing headache, the medication should be stopped.

• Topical cream and Topical Gel (OTC):
  • The cream's topical camphor should not be in direct contact with eyes or mucous membranes.
  • Therapy should be stopped if symptoms persist for longer than seven days.

Monitoring Parameters:

None recommended

How to administer Camphor?

• When used for Inhalation:
  • Add the solution to a hot steam vaporizer and breathe in the medicated vapors.
• Topical use:
  • Cream and Gel.

    • Cleanse, blot dry, and rinse the skin. Apply the lotion to the sore muscles and joints, then gently massage the area until the cream is gone. 

    • Avoid coming into touch with the eyes and mucous membranes.

    • Applying to damaged, broken, or irritated skin is not advised.

    • Use caution when applying bandages or heating pads.

Mechanism of action of Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora):

It is an organic compound that comes from plants and is applied topically to reduce pain, pruritis and inflammation.

Slowly, it isabsorbedThrough the skin, 61%Proteins boundIt is metabolized by the liver into inactive metabolites. When used as a solvent, it has a half-life approximately 3 hours. It takes three hours to reach peak plasma concentration when given as an oral solution and one hour when it is administered as a single agent. It is excreted mostly in the urine as metabolites.

International Brands of Camphor:

• Band-Aid Anti-Itch
• Benadryl Anti-Itch Children
• JointFlex
• Vicks Vapo Steam
• Camphoderm N
• Camphre
• Camphrice Du Canada
• Mulmicor
• Pectocor N
• Spiritus Camphoratus

Camphor Brands in Pakistan: