Camphor toxicity
Background
- Common topical agent for pain relief, wart removal, osteoarthritis, cold sores, cough suppression, nasal decongestion
- FDA limits over the counter preparations to 11%[1]
- Highly lipophilic, widely and rapidly distributed, symptom onset 5-15 minutes
- CNS stimulant when ingested
Clinical Features
- Nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain
- Oral burning
- Headache
- Vertigo, confusion, agitation
- Seizure, respiratory depression, coma
- Hepatitis and liver failure
Differential Diagnosis
Evaluation
Management
- Aggressive supportive care[2]
- Benzodiazepines for seizure
- Intubation and mechanical ventilation as needed
- Charcoal not likely effective
Disposition
See Also
References
- United States Food and Drug Administration. Proposed rules: external analgesic drug products for over-the-counter human use; tentative final monograph. Fed Reg 1983
- American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement. Camphor Revisited: Focus on Toxicity (RE9422). Pediatrics 1994;94:127-128
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