Camphor
It is used to be made by distilling the bark and wood of the camphor tree. Today, camphor is usually manufactured from turpentine oil. It is used in products such as Vicks VapoRub.
People apply camphor to the skin to relieve pain and reduce itching. It is also applied to the skin on the neck and chest so that it can be breathed in to reduce the urge to cough. It is also used for other purposes, but no good scientific evidence supports other use of camphor.
Oral camphor is unsafe. It is also important not to apply camphor to broken skin because it can enter the body quickly and reach high enough concentrations to cause poisoning.
How does it work?
Camphor seems to stimulate nerve endings that relieve symptoms such as pain and itching when applied to the skin. Camphor is also active against fungi that cause infections in the toenails.
Uses & Effectiveness?
Likely Effective for
- Cough. Camphor is FDA-approved as a chest rub in concentrations less than 11%.
- Acute pain. Camphor is FDA-approved for use on the skin as a painkiller in concentrations of 3% to 11%. It is used in many rub-on products to reduce pain related to cold sores, insect stings and bites, minor burns, and hemorrhoids.
- Itching. Camphor is FDA-approved for use on the skin to help itching or irritation in concentrations of 3% to 11%.
Insufficient Evidence for
- Insect bite. Early research shows that applying camphor along with menthol and eucalyptus oil might help reduce the size of mosquito bites.
- Acne.
- Low blood pressure that occurs upon standing (orthostatic hypotension).
- Osteoarthritis.
- Toenail fungus (onychomycosis).
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of camphor for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Camphor is UNSAFE. Ingesting camphor can cause severe side effects, including death.
When applied to the skin: Camphor is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when involved in a cream or lotion in low concentrations. Camphor can cause minor side effects, such as skin redness and irritation. Do not use refined camphor products or products containing more than 11% camphor. These can be irritating and unsafe. Camphor-containing products are LIKELY UNSAFE when applied to broken or injured skin. Camphor is readily absorbed through damaged skin and can reach toxic levels in the body.
When inhaled: Camphor is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults as the vapor from rubs is applied to the chest. Camphor is LIKELY UNSAFE when inhaled in large amounts. Inhaling large quantities of camphor can cause toxic effects.
Do not heat camphor-containing products (Vicks VapoRub, BenGay, Heet, and many others) in the microwave. The products can explode and cause severe burns.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Camphor is UNSAFE. Ingesting camphor can cause severe side effects, including death.
When applied to the skin: Camphor is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when involved in a cream or lotion in low concentrations. Camphor can cause minor side effects, such as skin redness and irritation. Do not use refined camphor products or products containing more than 11% camphor. These can be irritating and unsafe. Camphor-containing products are LIKELY UNSAFE when applied to broken or injured skin. Camphor is readily absorbed through damaged skin and can reach toxic levels in the body.
When inhaled: Camphor is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults as the vapor from rubs is applied to the chest. Camphor is LIKELY UNSAFE when inhaled in large amounts. Inhaling large quantities of camphor can cause toxic effects.
Do not heat camphor-containing products (Vicks VapoRub, BenGay, Heet, and many others) in the microwave. The products can explode and cause severe burns. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking camphor by mouth is UNSAFE during pregnancy or breastfeeding. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if applying camphor to the skin is safe when pregnant or breastfeeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Camphor is POSSIBLY UNSAFE in children when applied to the skin. Children tend to be more sensitive to side effects. Doctors recommend that camphor products are not used on the skin of children. Camphor is UNSAFE in children when taken by mouth. Seizures and death can occur if these products are eaten. Keep camphor-containing products away from children.
Liver disease: Taking camphor by mouth or applying it to the skin has been linked to liver damage. In theory, using camphor might make liver disease worse.
Interactions?
Moderate Interaction
- Be cautious with this combination.
Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs) interact with CAMPHOR
- Using camphor might harm the liver. Applying camphor to the skin while taking medications that harm the liver can increase the risk of liver damage. Do not use camphor if you are taking a drug that can harm the liver.
- Some medications that can harm the liver include acarbose (Precose, Prandase), amiodarone (Cordarone), atorvastatin (Lipitor), azathioprine (Imuran), carbamazepine (Tegretol), cerivastatin (Baycol), diclofenac (Voltaren), felbamate (Felbatol), fenofibrate (Tricor), fluvastatin (Lescol), gemfibrozil (Lopid), isoniazid, itraconazole, (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), leflunomide (Arava), lovastatin (Mevacor), methotrexate (Rheumatrex), nevirapine (Viramune), niacin, nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin), pioglitazone (Actos), pravastatin (Pravachol), pyrazinamide, rifampin (Rifadin), ritonavir (Norvir), rosiglitazone (Avandia), simvastatin (Zocor), tacrine (Cognex), tamoxifen, terbinafine (Lamisil), valproic acid, and zileuton (Zyflo).
Dosing
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
APPLIED TO THE SKIN:
- For cough: A layer of 4.7% to 5.3% camphor ointment is applied to the throat and chest. The area may be covered with a warm, dry cloth or uncovered.
- For itching: A 3% to 11% ointment is typically used three to four times daily.
- For acute pain: A 3% to 11% ointment is typically used three to four times daily.
Menthol
Uses
This medication treats minor aches and pains of the muscles/joints (such as arthritis, backache, and sprains). Menthol works by causing the skin to feel relaxed and then warm. These feelings on the skin distract you from feeling the aches/pains deeper in your muscles and joints.
How to use Menthol 5 %, Topical Patch
Use this medication on the skin only—clean and dry the affected area. Remove the backing from the patch and apply the patch to the affected area. Do not apply the patch to injured or irritated skin (such as cut, scraped, sunburned, infected, or has a rash). Leave the patch on the affected area for up to 12 hours. Use this medication as directed by your doctor, or follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Take the patch off before bathing, and do not apply the patch right after bathing. Do not bandage or wrap the area where the patch is applied unless directed to do so by the doctor. Do not apply heat (such as a heating pad) on the patch. Doing so may increase the risk of side effects.
Wash your hands well after handling the patch. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you get the medicine in those areas, flush with plenty of water.
After removing each patch, fold the used patch with the sticky sides, and throw it away from children and pets in the trash.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts for more than seven days, if it gets worse, or if it keeps returning. If you think you may have a severe medical problem, get medical help right away.
Side Effects
Redness, mild itching, or irritation at the application site may occur. Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly if any of these effects last or get worse.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Stop using this medication and tell your doctor immediately if you have any severe side effects, including blistering/swelling at the application site and increased/unusual pain at the application site.
A severe allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help immediately if you notice any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice other effects not listed above.
In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to menthol; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.
Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription, nonprescription, and herbal products).
If you have an MRI test, tell testing personnel if you are using this patch. Some patches may contain metals that can cause severe burns during an MRI. Ask your doctor whether you need to remove your patch before the test and apply a new patch afterward and how to do so correctly.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all your products (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.
Overdose
This medication patch may be harmful if chewed or swallowed. If someone has overdosed, remove the patch if possible. For severe symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Keep all regular medical and lab appointments.
Missed Dose
If you use this product regularly and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the amount to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom. Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. (See also the How to Use section.) Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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