DrugNotes System- Coal Tar (On the skin)

Coal Tar (On the skin)
Coal Tar (kole tar)

Relieves drying, itching, flaking, scaling, or irritation of the skin caused by psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis.

Brand Name(s):Neutrogena T/Gel, Neutrogena T/Gel Extra Strength, Fototar, DHS Tar, DHS Targel, Tera Gel, Doak Tar Shampoo, Reme-T, Ionil-T, MG 217 Medicated Tar, Duplex T, Betatar Gel, Ionil-T Plus, Polytar, Polytar Soap
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to coal tar.

How to Use This Medicine:
Cream, Liquid, Shampoo, Soap

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.You should not use this medicine in or around the rectum (rear end) or in the genital or groin area.
This medicine is not for long-term use.
When bathing, you may pour 1 to 3 capfuls of Doak® Tar oil into warm bath water. You may apply Doak® Tar oil directly onto wet skin if used after taking a shower.
To use Doak® Tar shampoo, wet hair and scalp thoroughly with water. Work the Doak® Tar shampoo into a lather and gently massage it over your whole scalp for about 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing. Repeat this process one time and rinse thoroughly.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, apply it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to apply the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a skin problem that involves a large area of your body. Tell your doctor if you are using other medicines or treatment for psoriasis, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
The cream and soap forms of this medicine contain a chemical that may cause cancer.
Do not use this medicine for a skin problem that has not been checked by your doctor.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Burning, itching, swelling, or redness in the treated skin area.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.