coal tar shampoo (OTC)

Brand and Other Names:Neutrogena T/Gel Original, DHS Tar, more...Doak Tar, Ionil T Plus, PC-Tar, Pentrax, Polytar Shampoo, TeraGel, Zetar

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

shampoo

  • 1-5%

Scalp Psoriasis & Seborrhea

Apply to wet hair/scalp, lather for several minutes, then rinse thoroughly & repeat

Application frequency depends on severity (two times/week to qDay)

Dosage Forms & Strengths

shampoo

  • 1-5%

Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cradle Cap)

< 2 years: Safety & efficacy not established

> 2 years: As adults; apply to wet hair/scalp, lather for several minutes, then rinse thoroughly & repeat

Application frequency depends on severity as directed by physician

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Adverse Effects

Frequency Not Defined

Stinging/burning of scalp

Desquamation

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.