Convulsion camphor

Toxicology. Camphor is an irritant of the eyes and the nose at high concentrations it is a convulsant. 

N.A. Camphor oil, d-bomeol.105 Internally for fainting, convulsions associated with high fever, cholera, pneumonia. Externally for rheumatism, ringworm, abscesses, boils, cold sores, mouth ulcers. 

Poisoning has occured through the accidental administration of camphor liniment to young children by mistake for castor oil. The symptoms are nausea, vomiting, colic disturbed vision, delirium, mental confusion and epileptic convulsions. Recovery is the rule. But in rare cases death may occur from respiratory failure (126-128). 

In addition to locomotor activity, delta opioid agonists produce convulsions in mice [41,43], rats [34,35], and monkeys [44 46], In the past, chemical-induced convulsions induced by camphor or pentylenetetrazol (Metrazol) were used as treatments for depression today, however, ECT is the only convulsant therapy used because the treatment-induced effects are less unpleasant than those produced by chemical convulsants [47]. ECS was demonstrated to have antidepressant-like effects in the forced swim test in rats [3], and ECT is a very effective treatment for depression in humans. Based on these observations, it was proposed that delta opioid agonists produce antidepressant-like effects tough a convulsive- or electroconvulsive shock (ECS)-like mechanism of action [41]. 

SAFETY PROFILE A human poison by ingestion. Human systemic effects by ingestion convulsions, tremors, and unspecified respiratory system effects. A skin irritant. Flammable liquid when exposed to heat or flame can react with oxidizing materials. To fight fire, use foam, CO 2, dry chemical, mist, fog. See also SAFROL and CAMPHOR. 

Breathing difficulties, convulsions, and coma have been reported after repeated topical application of camphor-containing agents (3). 

Convulsions can occur after transdermal absorption of camphor (2). 

Piyaraly S, Boumahni B, Raudrant-Sigogne N, Edmar A, Renouil M, Mallet EC. Camphre percntane et convnlsion chez un nouveau-ne. [Percutaneous camphor and convulsions in a neonate.] Arch Pediatr 1998 5(2) 205-6. 

Occurs in all parts of the camphor tree Cin-namomum camphora. White solid, penetrating odour sublimes appreciably at ambient temperature readily volatile in steam. Teaspoonful of camphorated oil said to produce serious toxic effects in an adult. Children 1 g camphor profuse dermal, gastric and renal haemorrhaging. CNS deterioration, death. Liver and kidney fatty degeneration. Rapid absorption from gut lipid-soluble. Convulsions status epilepticus. 

Heptachlor (CAS 76-44-8) CNS convulsant. Skin absorption is rapid and has caused convuisions and death. Hepatotoxic. Stored in fatty tissues, Limited evidence fcr adverse effects on fetai deveiop-ment in test animais at high doses, A carcinogen in test animais. See aiso p 151, 0.05 mg/m S,A3 35 mg/m White or light tan, waxy solid with a camphor-like odor. Vapor pressure is 0.0003 mm Hg at 20 C (68°F). Thermal-breakdown products include hydrogen chloride. Not combustible. Pesticide use banned byEPAin 1988. 

Based on the erroneous notion that mental illness and seizure disorders were antagonistic, psychiatrists induced seizures as a treatment for depression and other psychiatric problems. Convulsive therapy was first described clinically by Ladislas J. Meduna. In 1934, he injected camphor liniment to induce seizures in patients with schizophrenia, some of whom actually improved. His technique was recognized immediately for its therapeutic value and adopted worldwide within a few years of its introduction. Other chemicals, such as metronidazole (Metrozol), were administered under the mistaken hehef that such treatments would consistently reheve the symptoms of mental illness. Pharmaco-convulsive therapy frightened patients and was fiuught with shortcomings, such as the unreliable induction of seizures. 

P Homochelidonine was examined by Meyer and von Engel, and the results, as quoted by Schmidt, indicate that in frogs -homochelidonine behaves like chelidonine, and that in mammals it causes slight narcosis and a transitory fall in blood pressiu e, followed by convulsions of the type induced by camphor, slowing of the pulse and, in large doses, paralysis of the vaso-motor centres. It also paralyses the ends of the sensory nerves. ... 

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