Indication-specific dosing for cemphire, cinnamomum camphora (camphor), frequency-based adverse effects, comprehensive interactions, contraindications, pregnancy & lactation schedules, and cost information.

Sections

Sections Camphor
Suggested Dosing
Suggested Uses
Adverse Effects
Warnings
Pregnancy
Pharmacology

Suggested Dosing

AdultPediatric

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

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

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

Adverse Effects

None known

Contraindications

Infants

Cautions

External application can cause skin irritation (eczema) or lead to poisoning through inhalation

See camphor toxicity

Pregnancy & 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

Metabolism: N/A

Excretion: N/A

Mechanism of Action

External: stimulates circulation

Inhalation: reduces bronchial secretions

PO: combats bronchial spasms, improves breathing, promotes circulation

Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.

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