Coal tar

Coal tar

Coal tar

What is coal tar?

Coal tar (for skin) is used to treat the skin symptoms of psoriasis, including dryness, redness, flaking, flaking, and itching. Coal tar is not a cure for psoriasis and only provides temporary relief from skin symptoms.

Coal tar may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Side effects of coal tar

If necessary, get emergency medical helpSigns of an allergic reaction:hives; difficult breathing; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Coal tar can have serious side effects. Stop using coal tar and call your doctor immediately if you have:

• severe stinging, burning, swelling or other irritation of the treated skin.

Common side effects may include mild skin irritation or rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all instructions on the label and packaging of your medicine. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies and any medications you take.

Before you take this medicine

You should not use coal tar 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 medications; 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 products you use. Talk to your doctor before using coal tar if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a doctor before using this medicine.

Do not allow young children to use this medicine without adult supervision.

How should I use coal tar?

Use exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller quantities or for longer than recommended.

Apply coal tar cream, lotion, ointment, or solution according to the directions on the medicine label. Some forms of coal tar can be used one to four times daily.

To use coal tar bath oil, pour 1 to 3 capfuls into a warm bath before bathing. The oil can make the bathtub slippery. Be careful to avoid falling.

Shake the coal tar shampoo well just before each use. Use enough shampoo to create a rich lather. Massage the shampoo into your scalp and rinse thoroughly. Apply the shampoo a second time and leave it on your scalp for 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

Coal tar shampoo can discolor blonde or dyed hair. This effect is usually temporary.

Do not use coal tar to treat large areas of skin. Do not use coal tar for a long time without your doctor's advice.

Some forms of coal tar can stain fabrics or other surfaces.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or worsen with coal tar use.

Store at room temperature, protected from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because coal tar is used as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of coal tar is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222 if someone accidentally swallows the medication.

What should I avoid when using coal tar?

Do not use coal tar with other psoriasis medications unless your doctor recommends it.

Avoid getting coal tar in your eyes. If this still happens, rinse it off with water.

Do not use coal tar to treat the skin of your groin or rectal area.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV radiation (sunlamps or solarium). Coal tar can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn.

What other medications affect coal tar?

Other medications you take orally or inject are unlikely to have an effect on coal tar applied topically. But many medications can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products.

More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.