camphor

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum  

Medicinal use: camphor has been traditionally used in some cultures for its potential medicinal properties. It is used in topical ointments, balms, and oils for its perceived analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, it’s important to note that excessive use of camphor can be toxic and harmful, especially if ingested. 

Aromatic use: Due to its solid and pleasant aroma, camphor is used in perfumes, cosmetics, and aromatherapy products to impart a refreshing scent. 

Insect repellent: camphor is known for its insect-repelling properties. It is often used in mothballs and other products to protect clothes and other items from damage by moths and other insects. 

Industrial use: camphor produces various products such as plastics, lacquers, explosives, and as a flavoring agent in food and beverages. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications: 

• Pregnancy 
• Children 
• Epilepsy 
• Open wounds 
• Seizures 

Cautions: 

• Skin sensitivity 
• Drug interactions 
• Ingestion 
• Respiratory issues 
• Storage 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

camphor is not indicated for oral inhalation during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

camphor is not safe during breastfeeding 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:  

• Analgesic (Pain-Relieving) Effect: camphor has mild analgesic properties, which can help reduce pain and discomfort when applied topically to the skin. It produces a cooling and numbing effect, soothing sore muscles, minor injuries, and joint pain. 
• Anti-Inflammatory Effect: camphor possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and inflammation at the application site. This makes it useful for muscle strains, sprains, and minor bruises. 
• Counterirritant Effect: When applied to the skin, camphor produces a sensation of warmth and irritation, which can distract from underlying pain and provide temporary relief. 
• Respiratory Effect: Inhaling the vapors of camphor can have a decongestant effect on the respiratory system. It can help ease nasal congestion and provide relief from coughs and colds. 
• Antimicrobial Properties: camphor has mild antimicrobial properties, which can help inhibit certain bacteria and fungi growth. This is one of the reasons why camphor has been used in some traditional medicinal practices. 
• Antispasmodic Effect: camphor has been reported to have antispasmodic properties that relaxes muscles and ease muscle spasms. 
• Local Anesthetic Effect: camphor can act as a local anesthetic, temporarily numbing the nerve endings in the skin and providing pain relief. 
• Moth-Repellent Effect: camphor is well-known for repelling insects, especially moths. It is often used in mothballs and other products to protect clothes and other items from damage by moths. 
• Top of Form 

Pharmacodynamics: 

• Topical Analgesic Effect: When applied to the skin, camphor produces a cooling sensation and acts as a counterirritant. It stimulates the nerve endings inside the skin, which can help distract from underlying pain and provide temporary relief. The analgesic effect is helpful for conditions such as muscle aches, joint pain, and minor injuries. 
• Anti-Inflammatory Effect: camphor has mild anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce localized swelling and inflammation at the application site. It may contribute to the relief of muscle strains, sprains, and minor bruises. 
• Respiratory Effect: When camphor vapors are inhaled, they can have a decongestant effect on the respiratory system. The aroma of camphor can help ease nasal congestion and provide relief from coughs and colds. 
• Moth-Repellent Effect: camphor is well-known for its insect-repelling properties, particularly its ability to repel moths.  
• Mild Antimicrobial Effect: camphor has shown some antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria and fungi. However, its antimicrobial properties are relatively mild compared to other antimicrobial agents. 
• Local Anesthetic Effect: camphor can act as a local anesthetic when applied to the skin, temporarily numbing nerve endings and relieving pain. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

camphor is absorbed through the skin when applied topically as a cream, ointment, or gel. The absorption rate depends on the formulation and the skin condition at the site of application. camphor vapors are absorbed through the respiratory tract when inhaled, particularly in the lungs. However, the systemic absorption of camphor from topical or inhaled use is generally low, and most of its effects are localized to the site of application or inhalation. 

Distribution 

camphor is distributed locally within the skin and underlying tissues when applied topically after absorption. If inhaled, camphor vapors can reach the bloodstream and be distributed throughout the body, but the extent of systemic distribution is limited due to its low systemic absorption. 

Metabolism 

camphor is primarily metabolized in the liver through hepatic metabolism. In the liver, camphor undergoes biotransformation by various enzymes, primarily cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. These enzymes convert camphor into water-soluble metabolites, which can be easily excreted from the body. 

Elimination and excretion 

Most camphor and its metabolites are excreted in the urine. After metabolism in the liver, the water-soluble metabolites of camphor are eliminated through the kidneys. A small portion of camphor and its metabolites can also be excreted through other routes, such as bile, sweat, and exhaled breath. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

• Topical Application: camphor is commonly used as a topical analgesic and is applied directly to the skin at the site of pain or discomfort. It is often found in ointments, gels, or creams, which can be easily spread over the affected area. Topical application allows camphor to exert its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects locally. 
• Inhalation: camphor can be used for inhalation to provide respiratory relief. In this case, a small amount of camphor is added to hot water, and the vapor is inhaled. The inhalation of camphor vapors can help relieve nasal congestion and cough associated with respiratory conditions. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: camphor 

Pronounced as: kam-for 

Why do we use camphor? 

camphor is used for the following indications; topical analgesics, anti-inflammatory properties, respiratory relief, insect repellent, aromatherapy, and industrial applications.