Camphor

Camphor is a dextrorotatory ketone.

1. Local action: Applied to skin, camphor has a mild irritant and antiseptic action. Vigorous rubbing causes rubefaction; light application is like mint. It also has a mild local anesthetic action. For gastrointestinal mucosa, camphor is irritant, making the stomach feel warm and comfortable; large amounts produce nausea and vomiting.

2. Action on the central nervous system: Camphor excites the central nervous system, especially the higher centers; large amounts acting on the cerebral motor cortex and brainstem cause epileptic-like convulsions.

3. Other actions: In vivo, camphor is easily absorbed through mucosa, subcutaneous tissue, and muscle.

No precautions information available