Camphor

Camphor is an active ingredient in many over-the-counter cough and cold remedies.

• Camphor (oral) suggested uses include as an expectorant, anti-flatulent (anti-gas), and for treatment of respiratory tract infections.
• Camphor (inhalation) suggested uses include as an antitussive (anti-cough).
• Camphor (topical) suggested uses include treating pain, warts, cold sores, hemorrhoids, osteoarthritis, anti-itch, to increase local blood flow, and as a counterirritant.
• Camphor is an FDA-approved topical antitussive (anti-cough).
• Camphor is an FDA-approved topical analgesic and anesthetic used to relieve pain.
• Camphor is FDA-approved to treat itching.
• Symptom relief of osteoarthritis is likely when camphor is applied topically.
• Camphor is available under the following different brand and other names: cemphire, and Cinnamomum camphora.

Topical

• 3-11% ointment

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Topical

• Itching and pain: 3-11% ointment applied three to four times daily
• Cough: Thick layer of 4.7-5.3% ointment applied to throat and chest
• Osteoarthritis: Topical combo product containing camphor (32 mg/g), glucosamine sulfate (30 mg/g), and chondroitin sulfate (50 mg/g) applied as needed for 8 weeks

Inhalation

• 1 tablespoon solution per quart of water in a steam vaporizer three times daily
• Pediatric:
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that topical camphor products not exceed 11% camphor AND
  • Recommend that camphor not be used in treating children orally
  • Ingestion of camphor can cause significant toxicity including death

Common side effects of camphor include:

• Skin redness and irritation (topical)
• Burning of the mouth and throat, nausea, and vomiting (when taken orally

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Camphor has no known severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns, or for more information about this medicine.

Warnings

• This medication contains camphor. Do not take camphire or Cinnamomum camphora if you are allergic to camphor or any ingredients contained in this drug.
• This medication contains camphor. Do not take Lodine if you are allergic to camphor or any ingredients contained in this drug.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Infants

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Camphor?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Camphor?"

Cautions

• The external application can cause skin irritation (eczema) or lead to poisoning through inhalation.
• See camphor toxicity.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• There are no known harmful effects regarding the use of camphor during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before use.