coal tar topical (OTC)

Brand and Other Names:Fototar, Medotar, more...Oxipor VHC, Polytar Soap, Psorent, Psoriasin, Taraphilic

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & 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)

Psoriasis & 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 & efficacy not established

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Adverse Effects

Frequency Not Defined

Stinging/burning of skin

Desquamation

Folliculitis

Photosensitivity

Coal tar may cause discoloration or staining

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Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

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)

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Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy category: C

Lactation: Unknown

Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek advice of health professional before using OTC drugs

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

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Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Keratolytic agent; elicits antiseptic & antibacterial properties

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Images

No images available for this drug.
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Patient Handout

A Patient Handout is not currently available for this monograph.
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Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.