sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Camphor overdose: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Follow the discharge instructions provided by the emergency department, poison center, or treating clinician.

    These instructions may include watching for changes in alertness, breathing, vomiting, coordination, or behavior.

    Call emergency services for a seizure, loss of consciousness, severe breathing difficulty, or blue or gray lips.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical reassessment after discharge if the person develops unusual sleepiness, confusion, repeated vomiting, weakness, trouble walking, or worsening cough.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up may be advised after a serious exposure, especially if there was a prolonged seizure, aspiration, muscle injury, kidney stress, or time in intensive care.

    The treating clinician can explain whether repeat laboratory testing or neurological assessment is needed.

    If an exposure was intentional, follow-up should also address emotional safety and access to mental health support.

    A healthcare professional can help create a safe plan without judgment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed

The article also says

To reduce the chance of another exposure:

Keep camphor products locked away and out of children's sight and reach.

Store products in their original, labeled containers.

Do not place camphor oils or blocks in drink bottles or food containers.

Follow the label and avoid using concentrated products in unapproved ways.

Do not apply camphor to broken skin or cover it with a tight dressing unless the product directions specifically allow this.

Dispose of unwanted products according to local household chemical guidance.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Camphor overdose. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.