Dosing and uses of Cemphire, cinnamomum camphora (camphor)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
Topical
Pruitis & pain: 3-11% ointment applied TID-QId
Cough: Thick layer of 4.7-5.3% ointment applied to throat & chest
Osteoarthritis: Topical combo product containing camphor (32 mg/g), glucosamine sulfate (30 mg/g), and chondroitin sulfate (50 mg/g) applied PRN x 8 weeks
Inhalation
1 tablespoon solution per quart of water in a steam vaporizer TId
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
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
Suggested uses of Cemphire, cinnamomum camphora (camphor)
Oral
Expectorant, antiflatulent, & treatment of respiratory tract infections
Inhalation
Antitussive
Topical
Pain, warts, cold sores, hemorrhoids, osteoarthritis, antipruitic, increase local blood flow, counterirritant
Efficacy
Active ingredient in many over-the-counter cough & cold remedies
Cough: FDA approved topical antitussive
Pain: FDA approved topical analgesic & anesthetic
Pruitus: FDA approved
Osteoarthritis: Symptom relief likely when applied topically
Cemphire, cinnamomum camphora (camphor) adverse (side) effects
None known
Warnings
Contraindications
Infants
Cautions
External application can cause skin irritation (eczema) or lead to poisoning through inhalation
See camphor toxicity
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: no harmful effects known
Lactation: no harmful effects known
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Cemphire, cinnamomum camphora (camphor)
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of action
External: stimulates circulation
Inhalation: reduces bronchial secretions
PO: combats bronchial spasms, improves breathing, promotes circulation
