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Health

Racemic bromocamphor

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Racemic bromcamphor (or simply "bromcamphor") is a chemical compound that is a mixture of camphor bromide isomers. It is a colorless crystal or crystalline powder with a characteristic camphor odor.

Bromcamphor racemicum has a variety of medical and non-medical uses:

  1. Medicinal use: Racemic bromcamphor can be used medicinally as an antiseptic and antispasmodic. It can be used to treat certain skin diseases, rheumatic pains, and as an inhalant for respiratory diseases.
  2. Cosmetic Uses: Bromcamphor can be included in cosmetic products such as creams, lotions and ointments due to its antiseptic and cooling properties.
  3. Flavoring: Because of the characteristic camphor odor, bromcamphor can be used in perfumery and aromatherapy to create refreshing and stimulating scents.
  4. Insect Repellent: Bromcamphor can also be used as an insect repellent.
  5. Chemical reagents: In the chemical industry, bromcamphor is used as a raw material for obtaining other chemical compounds.

Despite its wide range of uses, racemic bromcamphor may have toxic properties if used improperly or if ingested in large doses. Therefore, before using for medicinal, cosmetic or insect repellent purposes, it is necessary to consult with a medical or aromatherapy specialist.

Indications Bromocamphors

  1. Treatment of respiratory diseases: Bromcamphor can be used to relieve symptoms of respiratory diseases such as runny nose, cough and nasal congestion. It can be used both internally and externally (for example, as an ointment or balm).
  2. Pain and Inflammation Relief: In some cases, bromcamphor may be used to relieve pain and inflammation in rheumatic conditions, muscle pain, or sprains.
  3. Antiseptic action: Bromcamphor has antiseptic properties and can be used to treat wounds, burns and other superficial injuries to prevent infection.
  4. Antispasmodic action: It can also be used to relieve spasms of the smooth muscles of the stomach and intestines, helping with symptoms of stomach and intestinal disorders.
  5. Aromatherapy: Bromcamphor is used in aromatherapy to create a refreshing scent that can help relieve stress and fatigue and improve mood.
  6. Insect Repellent: Due to its specific odor, bromcamphor can be used as an insect repellent.

Release form

  1. Ointment: Bromcamphor ointment is a topical preparation that is commonly used to relieve pain and inflammation in muscles and joints. It can be especially useful in treating rheumatic pain and other musculoskeletal problems.
  2. Essential Oil: Bromcamphor essential oil can also be used for aromatherapy or applied to the skin to relieve certain types of pain and discomfort. However, before using it on the skin, you need to make sure it is safe to do so, as some essential oils can cause skin irritation.
  3. Tablets or capsules: Some companies may produce bromcamphor in tablet or capsule form for oral use. This may be to relieve breathing problems or for other medical purposes.

Pharmacodynamics

  1. Local irritant effect: Camphor and menthol have a local irritant effect on the skin, mucous membranes and respiratory receptors. This can contribute to a feeling of coolness and reduce itching, pain and irritation.
  2. Antiseptic action: Sodium bromide has antiseptic properties that can help fight infections and inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes.
  3. Local anesthetic effect: Camphor and menthol may have a weak analgesic effect due to their local irritant effect on pain receptors.
  4. Mucolytic action: It is possible that bromcamphor may have a mucolytic effect, helping to liquefy and expectorate mucus from the respiratory tract.
  5. Vasoconstrictor action: Menthol may have a mild vasoconstrictor action, which may help reduce swelling of the mucous membranes and ease breathing when the nose is stuffy.

Dosing and administration

  1. Ointment:

    • Bromcamphor ointment is usually applied to the skin in the area where pain or inflammation is felt.
    • Typically, a thin layer of ointment is applied and massaged until completely absorbed.
    • The frequency of use and duration of the course may vary depending on the doctor's recommendations.
  2. Essential oil:

    • Bromcamphor essential oil can be used for aromatherapy or for skin massage.
    • When used for massage, the oil is usually diluted with a carrier, such as massage oil or cream, and applied to the skin.
    • When using for aromatherapy, add a few drops to an aroma diffuser or to water for inhalation.
  3. Tablets or capsules:

    • For oral use, follow package directions or your doctor's recommendations for dosage and frequency of use.
    • Typically, bromcamphor tablets or capsules are taken with food and water.

Use Bromocamphors during pregnancy

  1. Risks and limitations of data:

    • There is insufficient data to support the safety of bromcamphor use during pregnancy. Bromides can cross the placental barrier and accumulate in the body, potentially causing adverse effects on the developing fetus.
  2. Possible side effects for the fetus:

    • Long-term exposure to bromides can cause "bromism" in the fetus, a condition characterized by symptoms ranging from irritability to more serious neurological impairment.
  3. Recommendations:

    • Due to potential risks, bromcamphor is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially without the supervision and approval of a physician. If there is a need to treat symptoms for which bromcamphor has previously been used, it is recommended to discuss possible safe alternatives with a physician.

Alternative treatment:

To help relieve symptoms of nervous agitation or insomnia during pregnancy, safer methods may be recommended, such as:

  • Relaxation techniques (meditation, yoga, deep breathing).
  • Natural remedies (for example, tea with lemon balm or valerian, if there are no contraindications).
  • Lifestyle changes (regular exercise, sleep hygiene).

Contraindications

  1. Individual intolerance or allergic reaction: People with known individual intolerance to bromcamphor or any other component of the drug should avoid using it.
  2. Broken Skin or Wounds: It is not recommended to use bromcamphor on broken skin, open wounds, cuts or severely irritated areas as it may cause further irritation and burns.
  3. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The safety of using bromcamphor during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Therefore, to avoid negative consequences, its use should be agreed with a doctor.
  4. Paediatric use: Bromcamphor may be less safe for use in infants or young children, so it is recommended to consult a doctor before using it in children.
  5. Respiratory Disorders: Inhalation or ingestion of bromcamphor may cause severe irritation of the respiratory tract, which may lead to acute respiratory arrest.
  6. Effects on the central nervous system: Bromcamphor can affect the central nervous system and cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and even convulsions.
  7. Interaction with other drugs: Bromcamphor may interact with some other drugs, so you should discuss the possible risks and side effects with your doctor, especially if you are taking other medications.

Side effects Bromocamphors

  1. Neurological reactions:

    • Dizziness, headache, drowsiness or, conversely, increased excitability.
    • At high doses or with prolonged use, bromism may develop, a condition caused by excess accumulation of bromine in the body, manifested by fatigue, apathy, ataxia, impaired coordination, and other serious neurological symptoms.
  2. Digestive system:

    • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. Bromcamphor may irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
  3. Skin reactions:

    • Skin irritation, rash, urticaria, especially if the drug is applied topically.
  4. Allergic reactions:

    • In rare cases, allergic reactions may occur, including anaphylactic shock, especially in individuals with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
  5. Respiratory problems:

    • Camphor, which is part of bromcamphor, may cause breathing difficulties, especially in young children or people with respiratory diseases.

Overdose

  1. Toxic skin reactions: Overdosing on menthol and camphor can cause skin irritation, redness, burning, itching and even chemical burns.
  2. Respiratory complications: Inhalation of large doses of camphor or menthol may result in irritation of the respiratory tract, obstruction of breathing, coughing, difficulty breathing, or even bronchospasm.
  3. Neurological symptoms: Menthol and camphor can affect the central nervous system, which can lead to dizziness, headache, drowsiness, disinhibition, agitation, central nervous system depression, and even seizures.
  4. Systemic effects: Systemic complications such as nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal upset, increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, hyperthermia and even potentially fatal consequences are also possible.

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Racemic bromocamphor" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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