Coal Tar Topical

Coal tar topical is an over-the-counter (OTC) product used to treat psoriasis and seborrhea dermatitis.

Coal tar topical is available under the following different brand names: Fototar, Medotar, Oxipor VHC, Polytar Soap, Psorent, Psoriasin, and Taraphilic.

Dosages of Coal Tar Topical:

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Topical Cream

• Coal tar 10% solution (equivalent to 2% coal tar)

Topical Ointment

• 2%

Topical Gel

• 0.5% (Thera-Gel)
• 2.9% (DHS)

Topical Lotion

• coal tar 25% solution (equivalent to 5% coal tar)
• coal tar 5% solution (equivalent to 1% coal tar)

Soap

• coal tar 2.5% solution (equivalent to 0.5% coal tar)

Topical Solution

• coal tar 15% solution (equivalent to 2.3% coal tar)

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Psoriasis and Seborrhea Dermatitis

• Apply sparingly to affected area up to 4 times/day; decrease frequency to 2-3 times/week once improvement observed
• Product content varies, check individual labeling
• Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients

Side effects of Coal Tar Topical may include.

• Stinging/burning of the skin
• Peeling
• Inflamed hair follicles (folliculitis)
• Sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
• Coal tar may cause discoloration or staining

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Coal tar topical has no listed severe interactions with other drugs.
• Coal tar topical has no listed serious interactions with other drugs.
• Coal tar topical has no listed moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Coal tar topical has no listed mild interactions with other drugs.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

• This medication contains coal tar topical. Do not take Fototar, Medotar, Oxipor VHC, Polytar Soap, Psorent, Psoriasin, or Taraphilic if you are allergic to coal tar topical or any ingredients contained in this drug.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Black Box Warnings

• Severe iron toxicity may occur in overdose, especially when ingested by children.
• Nonintentional iron overdose is the leading cause of fatal poisoning in children younger than 6 years. Keep out of reach of children.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information is available.

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Coal Tar Topical?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Coal Tar Topical?"

Cautions

• Topical use only
• Avoid contact with eyes
• Avoid inflamed or broken skin
• Avoid exposure to sunlight (coal tar photosensitizing)
• Keep away from fire/flame (coal tar is flammable)

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use coal tar topical with caution during pregnancy if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies are not available or neither animal nor human studies were done.
• There is no information on coal tar topical use while breastfeeding. Consult your doctor.