Hot Steam

Generic name: Camphor Inhalation Liquid [ KAM-for ]
Brand names: Hot Steam, Vaporizing Steam, Vicks VapoSteam
Drug class: Topical rubefacient

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 7, 2024.

Uses of Hot Steam:

• It is used to relieve coughing.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Hot Steam?

• If you are allergic to Hot Steam (camphor inhalation liquid); any part of Hot Steam (camphor inhalation liquid); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Hot Steam (camphor inhalation liquid) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Hot Steam?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Hot Steam (camphor inhalation liquid). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• If signs get worse or last for more than 7 days, talk with the doctor.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If Hot Steam (camphor inhalation liquid) is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• This medicine may catch on fire. Do not use near an open flame or while smoking.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Hot Steam (camphor inhalation liquid) while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Hot Steam) best taken?

Use Hot Steam (camphor inhalation liquid) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• For breathing in only as a vapor. Follow how to use as you have been told by the doctor or read the product label.
• Do not heat or microwave.
• Do not get direct steam from the vaporizer too close to the face.
• Keep out of your eyes.
• If Hot Steam (camphor inhalation liquid) gets in the eyes, rinse with a lot of water. If eye irritation lasts for a while, talk with the doctor.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• If you use Hot Steam (camphor inhalation liquid) on a regular basis, use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Many times Hot Steam (camphor inhalation liquid) is used on an as needed basis. Do not use more often than told by the doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Related/similar drugs

diphenhydramine, diphenhydramine topical, Benadryl, chlorpheniramine, Promethazine DM, Banophen, echinacea, Calmoseptine, benzocaine topical, camphor topical

What are some other side effects of Hot Steam?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Hot Steam?

• Store at room temperature.
• Keep lid tightly closed.
• Protect from heat or open flame.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Hot Steam (camphor inhalation liquid), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer