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%
• 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

Management

• Aggressive supportive care
• Benzodiazepines for seizure
• Intubation and mechanical ventilation as needed
• Charcoal not likely effective