Camphor

Camphora, camphor.  

Purified D (+) camphor obtained from the wood of the camphor tree, Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Siebold [Fam.  Lauraceae], by steam distillation followed by sublimation, synthetic camphor or a mixture of both.  It contains not less than 96 and not more than 101 percent 2-bornanone, of which at least 50 percent should be present as the (1R)-isomer.  

Uses

External:

• Muscular rheumatism, catarrhal diseases of the respiratory tract, cardiac symptoms.  

Internal:

• Hypotonic circulatory regulation disorders, catarrhal diseases of the respiratory tract.  

Contraindications

External:

• Injured skin, e.g., burns.  

Camphor preparations should not be used in the facial regions of infants and small children, especially in the nasal area.  

Side Effects

Contact eczema possible.  

None known.  

Unless otherwise prescribed:

External:

• 10 - 20 percent in semisolid preparations
• 1 - 10 percent in camphor spirits

Internal:

• Average daily dosage: 30 - 300 mg.  

Locally or for inhalation:

• in liquid or semi-solid form.  

Internal:

• in liquid or solid preparations.  

External:

• Bronchial secretagogue
• Hyperemic

Internal:

• Circulatory tonic
• Respiratory analeptic
• Bronchoantispasmodic