What is this medication for?
Coal tar is used to relieve itching, scaling, flaking, redness, and irritation due to psoriasis, dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis.
How should I take or use this medication?
- For external use only.
- Avoid contact with eyes and genitals.
- Wash hands before and after use.
- To prevent staining, avoid using in plastic or fiberglass tubs, sinks, or basins.
- Shampoo
- Wet the scalp.
- Rub the shampoo onto the scalp (Minimise application on the hair as it can make your hair dry). Leave on the scalp for several minutes up to 5 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Repeat step 2 and 3.
- Topical solution
- Dilute 5ml of solution in 15L of water to shower/bathe/soak for 5-20 minutes.
- Cream
- Clean and dry the affected area.
- Apply a thin layer to cover the affected area, then rub in gently.
- Blot off excess with tissue to avoid staining of clothes.
What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?
- If you forget to apply a dose of this medication, apply it as soon as you remember.
- Skip the dose if it is time for the next dose. Apply your next dose at the usual time.
- Do not apply two doses to make up for the missed dose.
What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?
Inform your healthcare professional if:
• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
- Your skin is sensitive to light.
- You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
If you have any question about this medication, please discuss with your healthcare professional.
What are some common side effects of this medication?
- Skin or scalp irritation:
- If this occurs, reduce the amount or number of times that you are using this medication.
- Stop using and consult your doctor if an irritation continues.
- Acne-like skin conditions:
- Stop using and consult your doctor.
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight:
- You may get sunburned more easily. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen which protects against UVA and UVB rays. Avoid prolonged sun exposure.
- Staining of the skin, light-colored hair, and clothing
What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?
Inform your doctor if you are receiving any form of light therapy.
How should I store this medication?
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
How do I throw away this medication safely?
Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.
Disclaimer
Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side-effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side-effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (NHG Health, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Contributed By
- Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore