Camphor Poisoning Following Ingestion of Nose Drops

Abstract

Two cases of dermatitis were in all probability caused by ingestion of alfalfa seed infusion. The practice of taking alfalfa seed for the purpose of relieving arthritis, diabetes, and related disorders is apparently widespread, and there is a strong likelihood that further cases will appear. A careful history must be taken to disclose the causal agent, since patients apparently do not like to acknowledge that they have been taking alfalfa seed. 920 S. Jefferson St.

Unique Case with Seizures after Prolonged Use of Camphor Crème in Elderly Patient

“…Joly et al described a 9-month-old girl with a 20% body surface area scald burn who was treated with dermal application of a camphorated dressing (9.6 g camphor/100 g dressing) for 24 hours and developed severe toxicity, including convulsions. They estimated that she had been exposed to 15 g camphor [21]. A 48-yearold woman developed severe toxicity with convulsions after using a Vicks Inhaler (containing L-desoxyephedrine, menthol, camphor, and pine oil in unspecified amounts) every 30 minutes for approximately 8 hours.…”

Camphor Poisoning: an Evidence-Based Practice Guideline for Out-of-Hospital Management

“…Generalized tonic-clonic convulsions are often the first sign of significant toxicity and can occur soon after ingestion (8)(9)(10)(11). Central nervous system depression is commonly seen, as are headache, dizziness, confusion, agitation, anxiety, hallucinations, myoclonus, and hyperreflexia (6,7,(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18). Death is usually the result of respiratory failure or convulsions (6,12,19,20).…”

“…There were a number of anecdotal reports describing temporal improvement in convulsions, agitation, or excessive neuromuscular activity in patients with camphor toxicity after the administration of benzodiazepines or barbiturates (6,7,9,14,(16)(17)(18)22,25,26,(48)(49)(50)60,62,63,73,74). There was a single report of some improvement after phenytoin administration (62).…”

Are one or two dangerous? camphor exposure in toddlers

“…Though toxicity most often results from oral ingestion, there have been reports resulting from combined dermal and inhalation exposure in a toddler, as well as from nasal drops in an adult (17,18). Generally believed to have a bad taste, several reports of toxicity from those who apparently enjoyed the taste are documented (12,19).…”

“…Vital signs should be monitored closely. Tachycardia is a common finding in children and signs of circulatory shock have been reported in serious intoxications (4,7,18,19,25). So has fever, though it is unclear whether this is the result of underlying infection or the actual intoxication (1,21,23).…”