Routes of absorption:
(1) ingestion
(2) inhalation
(3) transdermal
Onset is usually soon after exposure (from 5 minutes to 1.5 hours)
Clinical features of acute intoxication - initial:
(1) nausea and vomiting
(2) headache
(3) sense of general warmth
(4) oral and intestinal burning
Later clinical features:
(1) confusion, excitement, vertigo, restlessness, delirium and/or hallucinations
(2) muscular excitability, tremors, jerky movements
(3) epileptiform convulsions
(4) CNS depression with coma
(5) respiratory depression
(6) slow convalescence if survive
(7) variable hepatotoxicity, especially if there has been chronic exposure
Death may occur from:
(1) respiratory failure
(2) status epilepticus
Patients at increased risk for adverse effects:
(1) elderly
(2) pregnant woman
(3) severe comorbid conditions
If the amount ingested is small (< 1 gram) and the patient asymptomatic, then the patient can often be monitored at home. If the amount is >= 1 gram or unknown, or if the patient is symptomatic then the patient should be admitted to the hospital. The amount of camphor ingested may be difficult to determine if the percentage of camphor in a product is not stated.
