Coal Tar, Topical

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KEY POINTS

• This medicine is put on the skin to treat psoriasis, dandruff, certain types of dermatitis, and other skin conditions. Use it exactly as directed.
• Protect your skin from direct sunlight for at least 24 hours after using the medicine or as instructed by your healthcare provider
• This medicine may cause unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take.

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What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: keratolytic

Generic and brand names: coal tar, topical; Balnetar; Betatar; Cutar Bath Oil Emulsion; Denorex Medicated Shampoo and Conditioner; DHS Tar; MG217; Elta Tar; Ionil-T; Neutrogena T/Gel; Oxipor VHC; PC-Tar; Pentrax X Gold; Polytar Bath; Psoriasin; Scytera; Tera-Gel; Tegrin; Theraplex-T; X-Seb Pearls; X-Seb T Plus (There may be other brand names for this medicine.)

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used on the skin to treat psoriasis, dandruff, certain types of dermatitis, and other skin conditions.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Tell your healthcare provider if have had an allergic reaction to any medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine is for external (on the skin or scalp) use only. It comes in the form of cream, ointment, lotion, gel, shampoo, bath oil, liquid, and foam. Use this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider or according to the instructions in the medicine package. Read and follow the directions carefully. If you have questions about how to use your medicine, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain.

Check with your healthcare provider before using this medicine in children under age 18.

Do not use this medicine on broken, blistered, or irritated skin. Keep it away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you accidentally get the medicine in your eyes, flush them with water right away. Do not use on the rectal or genital areas. Do not cover the area where you put the medicine (bandages, dressings, make-up) unless told to do so by your healthcare provider.

Avoid fire, flame, or smoking during and right after using this medicine.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, do not use it more than once the next day, or use double the amount of medicine. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

Tell your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. Ask your healthcare provider when you can expect improvement.

This medicine may stain your skin, contact lenses, and clothing. Let the medicine dry completely to decrease staining. Stains on the skin wear off in time. The medicine can also temporarily discolor blond, tinted, or bleached hair when it is used on the scalp.

Protect your skin from direct sunlight for at least 24 hours after using the medicine or as instructed by your healthcare provider.

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away.): Skin irritation, swelling, or rash.

Other: Stinging when you use the medicine, sensitivity to sunlight.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. While using this medicine, do not use any other skin products that may increase the irritation of your skin such as medicated shampoos, skin cleansers, products with a high alcohol content, cosmetics with strong drying effect, astringents, spices, lime, electrolysis, hair removers and wax, or permanent wave solutions.

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.