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Overview

Camphor

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Camphor

Camphor has varied medical uses. It can quickly treat skin rashes and redness of the skin. Camphor is also used to treat eczema in kids or adults. The fragrance of Camphor oil has a calming effect on the brain and can be used to induce sleep.

Camphor oil can also promote hair growth. It can also be used as a treatment for head lice. Camphor products can be inhaled to relieve cough or congestion. It can also be used to treat fungal infections of the nails, warts, cold sores, osteoarthritis, minor burns and haemorrhoids.

Camphor is a flammable, white or transparent solid with a strong aroma. It has a waxy texture. Camphor is naturally found in the wood of a large evergreen tree found in Asia called Camphor laurel. It can also be synthetically produced from turpentine oil.

Camphor is used as a counter irritant which reduces pain and swelling by causing irritation and increasing blood flow of the affected region. Camphor can also be used to teat respiratory tract diseases and heart disease symptoms.

Camphor is sometimes used in eardrops. However, it is important not to apply Camphor to or near broken skin as it can enter the body and quickly reach concentrations that are high enough to cause poisoning.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Camphor

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Camphor ?

    • Hypersensitivity

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Camphor ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Camphor

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      No interaction found

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      This may be unsafe to use during pregnancy.
      Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, however, there are limited human studies. The benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk. Please consult your doctor.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      Unknown. Human and animal studies are not available. Please consult your doctor.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      Patients should not drive if they have blurred vision.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      Caution to be advised in patients with severe impaired renal function.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Are there any missed dose instructions?

      Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Camphor

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Camphor as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    The active constituent of this medicine is a major component of most liniments and balms, which are supplied as topical analgesics. Even though it is used in many medications, the mechanism of action for the active constituent of the medication is not well understood as of yet.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

      FAQs about Camphor

      • Ques : Is Camphor edible?

        Ans : Edible Camphor and chemically made Camphor are different. Camphor used in cooking is edible Camphor.

      • Ques : Is Camphor poisonous?

        Ans : Yes, if Camphor is applied to broken skin, it can enter the body and reach concentrations that are high enough to cause poisoning. An overdose of Camphor can result in poisoning.

      • Ques : Is Camphor saturated or unsaturated?

        Ans : Yes, it is unsaturated.

      • Ques : Is Camphor soluble in water?

        Ans : No, it is not soluble in water.

      • Ques : Are Camphor and naphthalene the same?

        Ans : No, both are different.

      • Ques : Does Camphor cause cancer?

        Ans : There is no scientific information regarding Camphor causing cancer.

      • Ques : Does Camphor burn?

        Ans : Yes, it burns. Camphor releases hydrocarbon gases that release flame.

      References

      • Camphor-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 20 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/camphor

      • Carboxymethylcellulose-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 20 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB11059

      • Naphozoline drop,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 20 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=naphazoline

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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