Camphor

Products

Camphor is available in many countries mainly in medicinal products for external use such as ointments, bath additives and inhalation solutions, and is often combined with other active ingredients and essential oils. It is further used in the preparation of numerous magistral formulations such as camphor spirit, camphor oil, camphor ointment and Rüedi nasal ointment.

Structure and properties

Camphor (C10H16O, Mr = 152.2 g/mol) is present in drugs either as racemic camphor or as D-camphor. Natural D camphor is originally obtained from the essential oil of the camphor tree Sieb. native to Southeast Asia. Racemic camphor is produced synthetically. Camphor is a white, crystalline powder or crumbly, crystalline mass with a burning-cooling taste and typical odor. It sublimates and is highly volatile even at room temperature. The lipophilic active ingredient is sparingly soluble in water and glycerol, but dissolves readily in organic solvents such as ethanol 96% and fatty oils. Camphor burns readily with a sooty flame.

Effects

Camphor (ATC C01EB02) is considered to be hyperemic, locally anesthetic, expectorant, analgesic, antipruritic, antiseptic, and centrally analeptic. Its medicinal use is largely based on lore rather than controlled scientific studies. Camphor is perceived by patients to be effective simply because of its warming properties and odor.

Indications

Possible indications include rheumatic complaints, muscle and joint pain, tension, headaches, itching, hemorrhoids, skin disorders, and colds such as colds, coughs, and sinusitis.

Contraindications

Camphor is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity. Caution is especially advised in children, as they are more likely to overdose. In infants and young children, nasal application may cause laryngospasm and collapse. Because of systemic toxicity, the following points should generally be observed:

  • Do not ingest.
  • Do not apply to large areas. Camphor is well absorbed through the skin due to its lipophilicity.
  • Administer only on healthy skin.
  • Do not give on injured skin, wounds, burns or mucous membranes.
  • Do not use in children or use with caution: Do not use in children under 3 years, no inhalations in children under 7 years.
  • Keep medicines out of reach of children.

Caution is also advised in respiratory diseases such as bronchial asthma and pneumonia, as camphor can cause bronchial muscle spasm. The full precautions can be found in the drug leaflet.

Adverse effects

Possible adverse effects include hypersensitivity reactions, allergic contact dermatitis, and local skin irritation. Numerous cases of poisoning have been described in the literature, often occurring in children as a result of accidental systemic exposure to larger amounts. Signs of overdose include a burning sensation in the mouth, dizziness, vomiting, pain, convulsions, coma, and respiratory paralysis. Poisoning can have a fatal outcome.