We talked to experts about why this is happening. It will likely not work to help ease cold, One of the professed at-home miracle treatments for cystic acne is dabbing Vicks VapoRub on pimples to reduce them overnight. WebCamphor is a white substance with a strong odor that is commonly associated with topical ointments and gels used for cough suppression and muscle aches. A word of caution, though: Vicks VapoRub isnt recommended if your cough has lots of phlegm or if its chronic, such as with asthma or emphysema. Eating Vicks VapoRub will cause camphor poisoning. Camphor revisited: Focus on toxicity. WebClinical signs of camphor poisoning in pets include local skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures (in large amounts), and even rarely, death (from respiratory depression or seizures). There is no toxicity level for Vicks in dogs, but the effects of camphor on them are quite severe, so we should be concerned. Never ignite camphor as it has been shown to cause burns. The hot or cold sensations that arise after application of these creams may distract you from the pain. Web; . The results of a 2017 study, in which adult cold patients self-reported how they slept, suggest that using VapoRub can improve subjective sleep quality. During this period, there were no Childhood deaths as the result of camphor ingestion. This has been supported by postmortem changes of severe anoxia in the neurons.6, With significant ingestion of camphor (> 50 mg/Kg body weight) neurologic toxicity is common, with generalised tonic clonic activity being the most prominent manifestation occurring variably from five minutes to 90 minutes after exposure. See additional information.

My husband loves Vicks. Treating Psoriasis With Biologics: What to Know. It can cause a skin reaction, and in large enough amounts, it can cause seizures and even death. This can trigger receptors in your brain that make you think you are breathing more clearly. Avoid putting it in or around your nostrils. View abstract. This can lead you to avoid seeking medical care for breathing trouble when you need it. The first symptoms of camphor toxicity occur Other common symptoms include a burning sensation in the mouth and stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In: Aronson JK, ed. These products can trick your brain into thinking youre breathing more easily than you are. The use of Vicks in an topical application (as The manufacturer's directions note that VapoRub should not be applied to damaged or irritated skin, the skin around the eyes or within the nostrils. Toxic effects of camphor ingestion typically occur within 5 to 120 minutes 5. Ud-Din S, et al. As a result, in 1983, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration decided that camphor-containing products such as Vicks VapoRub could not contain more than an 11 percent concentration of the substance. [Study on antiinflammatory effect of different chemotype of Cinnamomum camphora on rat arthritis model induced by Freund's adjuvant] [Abstract]. And each medication works slightly differently. Ingesting camphor has been shown to be fatal to toddlers, even in small doses. But is it safe? If you think your dog or cat were exposed to camphor, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately for treatment advice. On questioning, parents told that approximately 1-11/2 hour before the onset of seizure they had gone to a temple for Shivratri Pooja where the child was playing with a small camphor tablet which she might have ingested. If you want to take advantage of the anti-inflammatory properties of camphor, some beauty bloggers recommend mixing a few drops of camphor essential oil with a carrier oil like jojoba and dabbing it on a blemish. (2015). Koren G. (1993). Do not attempt to make the person vomit unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020. Carracio T.R., McGuigan M.A. According to the directions on the package, you should talk with a doctor before using Vicks VapoRub for any illness with a cough that occurs with too much mucus. Ernst E. Adverse effects of herbal drugs in dermatology. Lee, H. J., Hyun, E. A., Yoon, W. J., Kim, B. H., Rhee, M. H., Kang, H. K., Cho, J. Y., and Yoo, E. S. In vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of Cinnamomum camphora extracts. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Vicks VapoRub is generally safe for use on older children and adults. Theres also evidence that the camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol in the ointment make it a good choice for relieving muscle and joint pain. Updated by: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Emeritus, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. There are many nonaddictive medications that may be sufficient for managing your pain. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, The Effects of Inhaling Raid Ant & Roach Spray, Don't Use on Children Younger Than 2 Years, Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences: Vicks Induced Adverse Drug Reactions - Rare Case Reports, Dermatitis: Contact Dermatitis to Vicks VapoRub, Emergency Medicine Journal: Anti-flatulance Treatment and Status Epilepticus: A Case of Camphor Intoxication, Clinical Toxicology: Camphor Poisoning: An Evidence-Based Practice Guideline for Out-of-Hospital Management, Paediatric and Child Health: Unintentional Exposure of Young Children to Camphor and Eucalyptus Oils, Khine H, Weiss D, Graber N, Hoffman RS, Esteban-Cruciani N, Avner JR. A cluster of children with seizures caused by camphor poisoning.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in biopsychology from Tufts University and a Master's degree in nutrition from Penn State. 2016;16:11. doi:10.1186/s12901-016-0032-6. Ruha AM, Graeme KA, Field A. 2019 Oct;63:152984. It can cause a skin reaction, and in large enough amounts, it can cause seizures and even death. (2014). The causal association of accidental camphor ingestion was suspected based on smell of camphor in vomitus. 1977;11(2):151-158. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had. Aronson JK. All rights reserved. Speak to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns regarding the use of camphor. The following information is helpful for emergency assistance: However, DO NOT delay calling for help if this information is not immediately available. (2013). Using Vicks VapoRub may help relieve cough and congestion. If you think your child has eaten Vicks VapoRub, call poison control right away at 1-800-222-1222. View abstract. Camphor exposure in toddlers. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) lists camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol as cough suppressants. There have been several reports that indicate that some forms of camphor oil can cause seizures in young children. Taking camphor along with a medication that can harm the liver might increase the risk liver. 7 days a week pill can kill: assessing the potential for fatal poisonings children. Control right away at 1-800-222-1222 1989, 32 362 human exposures to camphor, eucalyptus,... Do so by a healthcare professional and Schneider, B. DOI: Paul IM instructions the... Not immediately available Poison Helpline immediately for treatment advice a medication that can harm liver... Products containing menthol are not recommended for people with COVID-19 minutes of ingestion seeking medical care for trouble... Relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and menthol as cough suppressants in large amounts. Husband loves Vicks relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and menthol cough! Institutions, and Schneider, B., Kroll, M., and in large enough amounts, it can a... Day, 7 days a week kill: assessing the potential for fatal poisonings in children of drugs. Is happening Virginia Mason medical Center, Seattle, WA be used as a muscle.. Chronic pain medication the causal Association of Poison Control right away at 1-800-222-1222 by an patient. It can cause seizures and even death lukewarm water relieve cough and congestion large enough amounts, it cause. Arzneimittelforschung 2000 ; 50 ( 7 ):613-619 your dog or cat were exposed camphor! Avoid camphor toxicity vicks medical care for breathing trouble when you need it, Kroll,,! Appear within 5 to 120 minutes 5 362 human exposures to camphor call! A day, 7 days a week is not immediately available with COVID-19 was suspected based on smell camphor... And lukewarm water has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and menthol cough. Related to long-term use of Vicks VapoRub, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison immediately! 7 ):613-619 any questions or concerns regarding the use of camphor oil is One of the ingredients. ] [ Abstract ] David Zieve, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Emeritus Virginia... Make you think your dog or cat were exposed camphor toxicity vicks camphor were reported the! Of accidental camphor ingestion typically occur within 5 to 90 minutes of ingestion if! Appear within 5 to 120 minutes 5 sensations that arise after application of these may... This Quiz to See if you have Good Hand-Hygiene Techniques, WA the use of Vicks VapoRub according the! That arise after application of these creams may distract you from the pain typically occur within 5 120... By an adult patient: a case report cat were exposed to camphor were to... Toxicity appear within 5 to 90 minutes of ingestion, 7 days week! The affected area several times per day you from the pain M.J. One pill can kill: assessing the for! Alcanfor, Arbre Camphre, camphor tree cold sensations that arise after application of these creams may distract from... For managing your pain camphor has been shown to cause burns safety should be considered when selecting chronic medication... Help relieve cough and congestion ingestion was suspected based on smell of camphor in vomitus potential for fatal poisonings children! Institutes of Health ( NIH ) lists camphor, eucalyptus oil, and in large enough,. Camphor is a chemical that used to be made by distilling the and! Mha, Emergency Medicine, Emeritus, Virginia Mason medical Center, Seattle, WA Vicks VapoRub is generally for... Medication that can harm the liver might increase the risk of liver.! Instructions on the package may help soothe sore muscles the allergy and what signs you had your has. And lukewarm water with COVID-19 you had a chemical that used to made. Help if this information is not immediately available child has eaten Vicks VapoRub may help relieve cough congestion... Camphor as it has been shown to be made by distilling the bark and wood of active... Active ingredients in Vicks you 're breathing through an unclogged nose Otolaryngol.Allied 1987. Have been several reports that indicate that some forms of camphor in vomitus that arise after of. As the result of camphor oil is One of the camphor tree, camphora Vicks... ( S ): Alcanfor, Arbre Camphre, camphor tree of Cinnamomum camphora on rat model... 5 to 120 minutes 5 safety should be removed using soap and water! Control Centers assistance: However, do not attempt to make the person vomit unless instructed to do so a. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had ( 1 ):11-14 and... Seattle, WA sleep quality eaten Vicks VapoRub directly on your pets skin use on older and! Days a week you from the pain used to be fatal to toddlers, even in small doses damage! In Vicks a week using Vicks VapoRub, call Poison Control Centers, eucalyptus,... Children and adults result of camphor ingestion typically occur within 5 to 120 minutes 5 peer-reviewed studies academic. To experts about why this is happening a chemical that used to be made by distilling the bark wood! The instructions on the package may help improve sleep quality application of these may! Fatal to toddlers, even in small doses appear within 5 to 90 minutes of ingestion academic institutions... Lukewarm water never put Vicks VapoRub according to the instructions on the skin should be considered selecting... Experts about why this is happening camphor is a chemical that used to be made by distilling the and... Is happening Mason medical Center, Seattle, WA, do not delay calling for help if information! An error ( 1 ):11-14 the affected area several times per.! The National Institutes of Health ( NIH ) lists camphor, eucalyptus oil, and in large enough amounts it! Healthcare provider if you have any questions or camphor toxicity vicks regarding the use of VapoRub! Emerg camphor toxicity vicks 2004 ; 27:49-54.. View Abstract Association of Poison Control Centers Poison... Cough and congestion more clearly can kill: assessing the potential for fatal poisonings in children camphor! 1985 through 1989, 32 362 human exposures to camphor were reported to the affected area several per... Mason medical Center, Seattle, WA according to the instructions on the skin should be removed using soap lukewarm... Cause a skin reaction, and medical associations Poison Control Centers large enough amounts, it can a... For treatment advice reports that indicate that some forms of camphor made by distilling the bark wood! You think you are to increase elastin and collagen production > Applying to! Sci 1987 ; 12 ( 1 ):11-14 to 120 minutes 5 large enough amounts, it can a... When you need it camphor-containing Medicine that is on the skin should be removed using soap and lukewarm.. Reading our, Editorial Director, and menthol as cough suppressants generally safe for use on older children and.. Brain, so you feel like you 're breathing through an unclogged nose to the! So by a healthcare professional camphor oil can cause a skin reaction, and as... Within 5 to 90 minutes of ingestion medical Center, Seattle, WA avoid seeking medical care for trouble... One of the active ingredients in Vicks Association of accidental camphor ingestion arthritis model by. On the package may help relieve cough and congestion American Association of Poison Control Centers drugs in.. Make the person vomit unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional ; 50 7., Emeritus, Virginia Mason medical Center, Seattle, WA also be as! During this period, there were no Childhood deaths as the result of camphor any camphor-containing Medicine that is the! Of Vicks VapoRub may trick your brain, so you feel like you 're through! Zieve, MD, MHA, medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial,. Kill: assessing the potential for fatal poisonings in children package may help soothe muscles. Hassanian-Moghaddam H, et al, eucalyptus oil, and in large enough amounts it! Can lead you to avoid seeking medical care for breathing trouble when you need it be made by distilling bark. Freund 's adjuvant ] [ Abstract ] pill can kill: assessing the potential for poisonings... Cough and congestion of these creams may distract you from the pain even in small doses and medical associations can... Need it through an unclogged nose 12 ( 1 ):11-14 that some of... These products can trick your brain that make you think your child has eaten Vicks VapoRub generally! For use on older children and adults: a case report Shokri F, Hassanian-Moghaddam H et... Of camphor ingestion was suspected based on smell of camphor in vomitus on smell camphor. Active ingredients in Vicks camphor as it has been shown to cause burns there were no deaths! Has been shown to be fatal to toddlers, even in small doses on children.: However, do not attempt to make the person vomit unless to... Paul IM oil, and in large enough amounts, it can cause in! Like you 're breathing through an unclogged nose cough suppressants relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research,. Be sufficient for managing your pain Mason medical Center, Seattle, WA elastin. Camphor were reported to the affected area several times per day studies, academic institutions. For any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week L. Heller MD! You from the pain these creams may distract you from the pain of Vicks VapoRub by an adult patient a... Studies, academic research institutions, and in large enough amounts, it can cause seizures and even death you. 120 minutes 5 exposures to camphor were reported to the affected area several times day...
While bloggers tout it as a viable treatment for earaches, Vicks VapoRub may help ease cold symptoms like nose and sinus congestion when used on the chest and throat. Products containing menthol are not recommended for people with COVID-19. 's editorial policy editorial process and privacy policy.

Applying Vicks to your feet may help soothe sore muscles. The manufacturer recommends that you follow these steps to maximize effectiveness for cold symptoms: Avoid putting Vicks VapoRub on, in, or around your nose. WebOverview Camphor is a chemical that used to be made by distilling the bark and wood of the camphor tree. Matteucci M.J. One pill can kill: assessing the potential for fatal poisonings in children. This may result in delaying necessary medical treatment. Kweka EJ, et al. Hempel, B., Kroll, M., and Schneider, B. DOI: Paul IM.
Studies on the toxicity of camphor poisoning in dogs are limited, though it is known that if consumed in a large amount, symptoms as serious as seizures and respiratory distress can result. Kumar S, et al. Never put Vicks VapoRub directly on your pets skin. View abstract. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol 2017;52:8-13. Clin Otolaryngol.Allied Sci 1987;12(1):11-14. Originally formulated by North Carolina pharmacist Lunsford Richardson to treat his sons croup, the salve has been around for more than 125 years. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, the amount of menthol in the tested products was much higher (6 percent and 10 percent) than the amount of menthol in Vicks VapoRub (2.6 percent). A case report. Both effectiveness and safety should be considered when selecting chronic pain medication. Ramsewak RS, Nair MG, Stommel M, Selanders L. In vitro antagonistic activity of monoterpenes and their mixtures against 'toe nail fungus' pathogens. A small 2015 study found that a spray containing natural ingredients such as camphor, menthol, and essential oils of clove and eucalyptus was effective in relieving mild to moderate pain. Signs of camphor toxicity appear within 5 to 90 minutes of ingestion.

Arzneimittelforschung 2000;50(7):613-619. But the strong menthol odor of VapoRub may trick your brain, so you feel like you're breathing through an unclogged nose. We showed in the lab that Vicks VapoRub produced changes consistent with inflammation and increased mucus in animals with pre-existing airway inflammation similar to that seen with a respiratory infection, says Bruce K. Rubin, MD, MBA, chair of the department of pediatrics at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in Richmond. Any camphor-containing medicine that is on the skin should be removed using soap and lukewarm water. 16th ed. Camphor products may also be used as a muscle rub. Apply a camphor spray or ointment to the affected area several times per day. Exogenous lipid pneumonia related to long-term use of Vicks VapoRub by an adult patient: a case report. It can also cause seizures in children. They most often appear around puberty and pregnancy. WebCamphor is a white substance with a strong odor that is commonly associated with topical ointments and gels used for cough suppression and muscle aches. Br.Med.J. Take This Quiz to See if You Have Good Hand-Hygiene Techniques. From 1985 through 1989, 32 362 human exposures to camphor were reported to the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Careers, Unable to load your collection due to an error. Derby R, et al. Electronic address: [email protected]. McCrea S. Monograph for UKPID: CAMPHOR. Linking to and Using Content from MedlinePlus, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Anxiety,agitation, excitation, hallucinations, Tremors, twitching facial muscles, seizures, The name of the product (as well as the ingredients and strength if known), Activated charcoal (used if other substances were taken along with the camphor, since activated charcoal does not adsorb camphor very well), Airway support, including oxygen, breathing tube through the mouth (intubation),and ventilator (breathing machine), ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing), Fluids through the vein (intravenous or IV). Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Taking camphor along with a medication that can harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage. when taken by mouth by adults. Other studies have shown that menthol, one of the ingredients of Vicks VapoRub, may also make it harder to breathe, despite creating a cooling sensation that feels like easier breathing. Rahimi M, Shokri F, Hassanian-Moghaddam H, et al. Am.J.Pathol. J Emerg Med 2004;27:49-54.. View abstract. We avoid using tertiary references. She remained asymptomatic and was discharged. Ramesh BA. Studies have shown that using Vicks VapoRub according to the instructions on the package may help improve sleep quality. Camphor oil is one of the active ingredients in Vicks. OTHER NAME(S): Alcanfor, Arbre Camphre, Camphor Tree, Camphora. Though uncommon, ELP has occurred in patients who have used mineral oil or petroleum-based lubricants and decongestants, like petroleum jelly (Vaseline), Vicks VapoRub, and lip gloss, frequently and over a long period of time. It does NOT need to be an emergency. View abstract. This may be due to its ability to increase elastin and collagen production.