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Overview: Campho-Phenique is used to relieve pain and itching and/or reduce the risk of infection from minor cuts, scrapes, burns, bug bites, and cold sores. It is usually well tolerated. Campho-Phenique should only be used on your skin. Do not get it in or near your eyes. If you get any in your eyes, rinse them with lots of water right away and contact your health care provider.

Uses

What is Campho-Phenique used for?

Campho-Phenique (camphor/phenol) is commonly used for the following.

These uses may vary depending on the specific Campho-Phenique product used.

Campho-Phenique may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Campho-Phenique work (mechanism of action)?

Campho-Phenique has two medicines in it, camphor and phenol. Camphor seems to increase blood flow to the area where it is applied. This causes both a cooling and warming effect on your skin, which may help reduce pain and itching. Phenol seems to act as an antiseptic (to reduce infection risk) and anesthetic (numbs the area).

How is Campho-Phenique supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Campho-Phenique

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 10.8%/4.7% topical gel or liquid

How should I store Campho-Phenique?

Campho-Phenique should be stored at room temperature. Avoid exposing it to extremely hot temperatures, such as above 104 F (40 C). Keep the cap tightly closed when you are not using it.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Campho-Phenique?

Campho-Phenique is usually well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Campho-Phenique?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Campho-Phenique are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Campho-Phenique may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Campho-Phenique and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Campho-Phenique?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Campho-Phenique.

  • Campho-Phenique
  • Camphor
  • Phenol
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product 

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Campho-Phenique.

What should I know about Campho-Phenique before using it?

Read and follow the instructions that come with the product or use it as recommended by your health care provider. 

Campho-Phenique is for use on your skin only. Do not get it in or near your eyes. If you get any in your eyes, rinse them with lots of water right away and contact your health care provider.

Keep Campho-Phenique out of the reach of children.

Do not use Campho-Phenique over large areas of the body. For example, do not use it all over your skin like for sunburn all over your body. Ask your health care provider if you are unsure how much skin you can treat. Do not bandage the area where you use this medicine.

Stop using Campho-Phenique and contact your health care provider if any of the following happen.

  • You symptoms get worse instead of better
  • You are still having symptoms after using it for seven days
  • Your symptoms seem to get better but then come right back in a few days 

What should I tell my health care provider before using Campho-Phenique?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Campho-Phenique is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Before using Campho-Phenique for any of the following, talk to your health care provider.

  • An animal bite
  • A deep wound or a puncture wound
  • A serious burn

Pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Campho-Phenique while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Campho-Phenique while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Campho-Phenique?

For more information about Campho-Phenique, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.campho.com or call them at 855-602-2676.

Interactions

Does Campho-Phenique interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Campho-Phenique and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Campho-Phenique.

Does Campho-Phenique interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Campho-Phenique and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Campho-Phenique?

If you or someone else has used too much Campho-Phenique, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Campho-Phenique?

Campho-Phenique is meant to be used only when needed. Use it according to the package directions or as recommended by your health care provider. Do not use double or extra doses.