This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.
Coal tar is a by-product of coal processing.
Coal tar topical (for the skin) is used to treat the skin symptoms of psoriasis , including dryness, redness, flaking, scaling, and itching . Coal tar is not a cure for psoriasis, and it will provide only temporary relief of skin symptoms.
Coal tar may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Indications
Coal tar is a by-product of coal processing.
Coal tar topical (for the skin) is used to treat the skin symptoms of psoriasis , including dryness, redness, flaking, scaling, and itching . Coal tar is not a cure for psoriasis, and it will provide only temporary relief of skin symptoms.
Coal tar may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Contraindications
You should not use coal tar topical if you are allergic to coal tar.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:
if you are allergic to any drugs; or if you are receiving ultraviolet radiation treatment for your psoriasis.
Coal tar products may contain lanolin , mineral oil , or other emulsifiers. Check the label of any coal tar product you are using. Talk with your doctor before using coal tar if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Do not allow a young child to use this medicine without adult supervision.
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
coal tar topical may cause serious side effects. Stop using coal tar topical and call your doctor at once if you have:
severe stinging, burning, swelling, or other irritation of the treated skin.
Common side effects may include mild skin irritation or skin rash .
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
High Risk Groups
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Adult Dosage
0.1 to 4 % (2 (2.05)) As recommended. Topical — Twice to Thrice per week, for 3-Weeks
Child Dosage
0.1 % (0.1 (0.1)) As recommended. Topical — Twice to Thrice per week, for 3-Weeks
Neonatal Dosage
0.1 % (0.1 (0.1)) As recommended. Topical — Twice to Thrice per week, for 3-Weeks
Drug Interactions
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied coal tar. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins , and herbal products .
Storage
Cream, Oint, Shampoo, Paste, Topical Soln Store in a well closed container, at room temperature. Do not Freeze. Protect from Sunlight.