Coal Tar

Generic name: Coal Tar Topical
Drug class: Miscellaneous topical agents

Usage of Coal Tar

Coal tar is a by-product of coal processing.

Coal Tar (for the skin) is used to treat the skin symptoms of psoriasis, including dryness, redness, flaking, scaling, and itching. Coal tar is not a cure for psoriasis, and it will provide only temporary relief of skin symptoms.

Coal tar may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Coal Tar side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Coal Tar may cause serious side effects. Stop using Coal Tar and call your doctor at once if you have:

severe stinging, burning, swelling, or other irritation of the treated skin.

Common side effects may include mild skin irritation or skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Coal Tar

You should not use Coal Tar if you are allergic to coal tar.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

if you are allergic to any drugs; or

if you are receiving ultraviolet radiation treatment for your psoriasis.

Coal tar products may contain lanolin, mineral oil, or other emulsifiers. Check the label of any coal tar product you are using. Talk with your doctor before using coal tar if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Do not allow a young child to use this medicine without adult supervision.

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Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Coal Tar

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied coal tar. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

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