Coal tar topical

Generic name: coal tar topical [ KOL-TAR-TOP-ik-al ]
Brand names: Balnetar, Denorex Extra Strength, DHS Tar Shampoo, Elta Tar, Ionil T, ... show all 65 brands MG217 Medicated Tar, Neutrogena T/Gel, Oxipor VHC, Psoriasin, Scytera, Tarsum, Tegrin Medicated, Theraplex T, Coal Tar, Zetar, G-TAR, Zeprime Tar Emulsion, Ionil T Plus, Pentrax, Denorex, Estar, Betatar Gel, Fototar, Doak Tar, Therapeutic, Neutrogena T/Gel Extra Strength, Denorex Medicated Shampoo and Conditioner, Denorex Dry Scalp, MG217 Psoriasis, Doak Tar Oil, Neutrogena T/Derm, Pentrax Gold, T/Gel Conditioner, Tegrin Medicated Soap, Psorigel, Polytar, Doctar, Cutar, Reme-T, Tera Gel, Exorex, Polytar Mild, Psoriderm, Clinitar, Alphosyl, Alphosyl 2 in 1, Carbo-Dome, Coal Tar Strong, Doak Oil Forte, Amcal Anti Itch Bath Solution, Hamilton Formicare Skin Wash, Apha Keri Tar, Neutrogena T-Gel Conditioner, Orion Coal Tar, Linotar, Exorex Penetrating Emulsion Psoriasis Medication, Apha Keri Tar Gel, Linotar Gel 2, Linotar Gel 3, Eczema Cream, Pinetarsol Tar, PC Tar, Anti-Dandruff, Psoriasin Advanced Treatment, Psoriatar
Dosage forms: topical cream (1.25%; 2%); topical foam (2%); topical gel (1.25%); topical lotion (1.5%; 1%; 5%); topical oil (2.5%; 5%); topical ointment (2%); topical shampoo (0.5%; 1%; 12.5%; 2%; 3%; 5%); topical soap (5%); topical solution (20%)
Drug class:Miscellaneous topical agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 7, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is coal tar?

Coal tar is a by-product of coal processing.

Coal tar topical (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.

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.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use coal tar topical 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