Coal Tar, Topical

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: keratolytic

Generic and brand names: coal tar, topical; Balnetar; Betatar; Cutar Bath Oil Emulsion; DHS Tar; Doak Tar; Medotar; MG217; Neutrogena T/Gel; Oxipor VHC; Pentrax; Polytar Bath; Taraphilic; Zetar (There may be other brand names for this medicine.)

What is this medicine used for?

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

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 comes in cream, ointment, and gel to put on your skin. The shampoo is used on your scalp. The lotion can be used directly on your skin or added to warm bath water. Do not use on broken skin. Do not use on the rectal or genital areas.

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.

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.

What if I overdose?

If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: fainting, dizziness, confusion, irregular or fast heartbeat, headache, flushing.

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 and clothing. 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.

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.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider): Skin irritation 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.

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.

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.