Coal Tar
Description
Coal Tar is a topical medicine used for the treatment of various skin disorders such as psoriasis, dryness, flaking, scaly skin, itching, etc.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Coal Tar
- Allergy
- Eye irritation
- Hair loss
- Itching and skin rash
- Burning or stinging sensation at application site
Uses of Coal Tar
What is it prescribed for?
- Psoriasis
- Dandruff
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Eczema
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendency has been reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine. If the medicine is used, care should be taken such that the infant does not come into contact with the medicine; also, the infant should be monitored closely for any undesired side effects.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to coal tar or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Infected Skin Lesions
This medicine is not recommended for use on infected skin lesions since it may worsen the patient's condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine. If the medicine is used, care should be taken such that the infant does not come into contact with the medicine; also, the infant should be monitored closely for any undesired side effects.
General warnings
External use
This medicine is recommended for external use only. Avoid contact with the mouth, eyes, rectal and genital regions, cuts and grazes, wounds, etc.
Use in children
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients less than 12 years of age and only under the supervision of your doctor.
Missed Dose
Use/apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
An overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause severe symptoms. However, ingestion of this medicine may cause harm and immediate medical intervention may be required.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
This medicine is meant for external use only. If the medicine is swallowed, seek immediate medical help. Follow all dosing instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert. Do not use this medicine for durations shorter or longer than recommended by your doctor. Report any severe undesired side effects or a lack of improvement to the doctor immediately.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine normalizes the process of cell growth in the skin. It softens the outer layer of the skin as well as any scales on the skin. It also inhibits the growth of bacteria. All these effects help in relieving the symptoms of skin disorders.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Miscellaneous topical agents
Schedule
OTC
Internet]. Pharmacy2u.co.uk. 2018 [cited 31 July 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Psoriasis-association.org.uk. 2018 [cited 31 July 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 31 July 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 9 Aug 2018
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.