Camphor Pharmacology

Camphor

About Camphor
N/A
Mechanism of Action of Camphor
Camphor acts as a rubefacient when it is rubbed on the skin and causes localized vasodilatation; which gives feelings of comfort and warmth. When applied gently on the skin, it acts as an anti-pruritic agent and creates a feeling of coolness, and a mild local anaesthetic effect and relieves itching. When ingested in small amounts, it creates feelings of warmth and comfort in the epigastrium. Camphor acts as a local anesthetic on the respiratory passageways and causing cough suppression.
Pharmacokinets of Camphor
Absorption: Well absorbed through the skin, Distribution: Widely distributed in the body and crosses the placenta, Metabolism: Metabolized in liver, Excretion: Excreted mainly through urine and a minor portion is excreted through lungs.
Onset of Action for Camphor
N/A
Duration of Action for Camphor
N/A
Half Life of Camphor
N/A
Side Effects of Camphor
1.Gastric irritation
2.Anxiety
3.Excitement
4.Delirium
5.Colic
6.Nausea
7.Vomiting
8.Diarrhoea
9.Convulsions
10.Apnoea
11.Asystole
Contra-indications of Camphor
1.Hypersensitivity to the drug
2.Should not applies to broken, injured, or burned skin
Special Precautions while taking Camphor
1.Should not apply camphor directly in to or near the nostrils of small children or asthma patients
2.Prolonged use may lead to accumulation in adipose tissue
3.Seizures.
Pregnancy Related Information
Use with caution
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Use with caution
Children Related Information
Use with caution
Children (below 2 years): Contraindicated
Indications for Camphor
1.Rubefacient
2.Ingredient in cough preparations
3.Antipruritic
4. Ingredient in ointment or liniment to treat sprains; joint and muscle pain
5. As balm for chapped lips, cold sores
6.As an inhalant to relieve nasal, bronchial or upper respiratory congestion.
Interactions for Camphor
N/A
Typical Dosage for Camphor
Dosage individualized based on requirement and condition of the patient.
Topical: Rubbed on the throat and chest in a layer loosely covered with a warm dry cloth; up to thrice daily.
In vaporizer: Camphor (6.2%) in a hot steam vaporizer can be used by adding 1 tbsp of solution for each quart of cold water, or 1 tsp of solution for each pint, up to thrice daily.
Schedule of Camphor
N/A
Storage Requirements for Camphor
Store at a cool dry place in a well closed container. Protect from light and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Camphor
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Camphor
Provide symptomatic treatment and supportive measures.
Ingestion: If camphor has been ingested recently, and the condition of the patient allows, perform gastric lavage. If only small amounts have been ingested, administer cathartics.
Inhalation: If camphor has been inhaled, remove patient from exposure, administer fresh air or oxygen, and establish respiration.
Topical: If there has been external contact with camphor, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Irrigate eyes with plenty of water.
In severe poisoning: Assist respiration in respiratory depression. Perform artificial respiration if required. Treat convulsions with diazepam or other suitable drugs. Protect the airway by endotracheal intubation or suitable measures, Perform gastric lavage and reduce absorption by administration of activated charcoal, and then a saline cathartic if required. Resin and charcoal haemoperfusion may be used in severe cases.

Home Delivery for Camphor in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including camphor.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for camphor and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for camphor may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take camphor only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for camphor before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for camphor with the pharmacy.

Camphor is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for camphor might be better known than camphor itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have camphor in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for camphor.