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Coal Tar
Pronunciation
U.S. Brand Names
Generic Available
Synonyms
Pharmacological Index
Use
Pregnancy Risk Factor
Adverse Reactions
Usual Dosage
Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions
Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment
Patient Information
Nursing Implications
Dosage Forms

Pronunciation
(KOLE tar)

U.S. Brand Names
AquaTar®[OTC]; Denorex®[OTC]; DHS® Tar [OTC]; Duplex® T [OTC]; Estar®[OTC]; Fototar®[OTC]; Neutrogena® T/Derm; Oxipor® VHC [OTC]; Pentrax®[OTC]; Polytar®[OTC]; psoriGel®[OTC]; T/Gel®[OTC]; Zetar®[OTC]

Generic Available

Yes


Synonyms
Crude Coal Tar; LCD; Pix Carbonis

Pharmacological Index

Topical Skin Product


Use

Topically for controlling dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis


Pregnancy Risk Factor

C


Adverse Reactions

1% to 10%: Dermatologic: Dermatitis, folliculitis


Usual Dosage

Bath: Add appropriate amount to bath water, for adults usually 60-90 mL of a 5% to 20% solution or 15-25 mL of 30% lotion; soak 5-20 minutes, then pat dry; use once daily to 3 days

Shampoo: Rub shampoo onto wet hair and scalp, rinse thoroughly; repeat; leave on 5 minutes; rinse thoroughly; apply twice weekly for the first 2 weeks then once weekly or more often if needed

Skin: Apply to the affected area 1-4 times/day; decrease frequency to 2-3 times/week once condition has been controlled

Scalp psoriasis: Tar oil bath or coal tar solution may be painted sparingly to the lesions 3-12 hours before each shampoo

Psoriasis of the body, arms, legs: Apply at bedtime; if thick scales are present, use product with salicylic acid and apply several times during the day


Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions

No information available to require special precautions


Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No effects or complications reported


Patient Information

Avoid contact with eyes, genital, or rectal area; coal tar preparations frequently stain the skin and hair; avoid exposure to direct sunlight


Nursing Implications

For external use only


Dosage Forms

Cream: 1% to 5%

Gel: Coal tar 5%

Lotion: 2.5% to 30%

Lotion: 2%; 5%; 25%

Shampoo: Coal tar extract 2% with salicylic acid 2% (60 mL)

Shampoo, topical: Coal tar: 0.5% to 5%

Solution:

Coal tar: 2.5%, 5%, 20%

Coal tar extract: 5%

Suspension, coal tar: 30% to 33.3%


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