Doak Tar (Topical)

Coal tar is used to treat eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and other skin disorders.

Some of these products are available only with your doctor's prescription.

If you use this medicine on your scalp, it may temporarily change the color of blond, bleached, or tinted hair.

Coal tar can stain your skin or clothing. Be careful not to get it on your clothes. Any stain on your skin will go away after you stop using the medicine.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks and benefits. For this medicine, the following points should be kept in mind:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know about any other allergies you may have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Coal tar products should not be used on infants unless your doctor says otherwise. Studies on this medicine have only involved adult patients, and there is no specific information about using this medicine in children compared to other age groups.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults. Therefore, it may not be known if they work the same way as they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older adults. There is no specific information comparing the use of this medicine in elderly patients with use in other age groups.

Breast Feeding

Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction could happen. In these situations, your doctor may need to adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be used around the time of eating food or specific types of food because interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

In studies with animals, coal tar has been found to increase the risk of skin cancer.

While a medicine can be helpful, it may also cause some unwanted effects. Not all side effects will happen, but if they do, you may need to see a doctor.

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the following side effects:

Rare

• Skin irritation that was not present before using this medicine
• Skin rash

Some side effects may happen that usually do not require medical attention. These side effects might go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your healthcare professional may also have suggestions on how to prevent or lessen some of these side effects. Talk to your healthcare professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have questions about them:

More common

• Mild stinging—especially with gel and solution forms

Other side effects not mentioned may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

For medical advice about side effects, call your doctor. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Betatar Gel
• Cutar Emulsion
• Denorex
• DHS Tar
• Doak Tar
• Duplex T
• Fototar
• Ionil-T Plus
• Medotar
• MG 217
• Neutrogena T/Derm
• Neutrogena T/Gel

In Canada

• Estar
• Liquor Carbonis Detergens
• Psorigel
• Spectro Tar Skin Wash
• Tar Distillate

Available Dosage Forms:

• Shampoo
• Foam
• Ointment
• Liquid
• Solution
• Gel/Jelly
• Lotion

Therapeutic Class: Keratolytic

Use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than recommended on the label, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

After applying coal tar, protect the treated area from direct sunlight and do not use a sunlamp for 72 hours, unless otherwise directed by your doctor, since a severe reaction may occur. Also, make sure you have removed all the coal tar medicine from your skin before you go back into direct sunlight or use a sunlamp.

Do not apply this medicine to infected, blistered, raw, or oozing areas of the skin.

Keep this medicine away from the eyes. If you should accidentally get some in your eyes, flush them thoroughly with water at once.

To use the cream or ointment form of this medicine:

• Apply enough medicine to cover the affected area, and rub in gently.

To use the gel form of this medicine:

• Apply enough gel to cover the affected area, and rub in gently. Allow the gel to remain on the affected area for 5 minutes, then remove excess gel by patting with a clean tissue.

To use the shampoo form of this medicine:

• Wet the scalp and hair with lukewarm water. Apply a generous amount of shampoo and rub into the scalp, then rinse. Apply the shampoo again, working up a rich lather, and allow to remain on the scalp for 5 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly.

To use the nonshampoo liquid form of this medicine:

• Some of these preparations are to be applied directly to dry or wet skin, some are to be added to lukewarm bath water, and some may be applied directly to dry or wet skin or added to lukewarm bath water. Make sure you know exactly how you should use this medicine. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.
• If this medicine is to be applied directly to the skin, apply enough to cover the affected area, and rub in gently.
• Some of these preparations contain alcohol and are flammable. Do not use near heat, near open flame, or while smoking.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and other skin disorders: For cleansing bar dosage form: Adults—Use one or two times a day, or as directed by your doctor. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. For cream dosage form: Adults—Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin up to four times a day. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. For gel dosage form: Adults—Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin one or two times a day. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. For lotion dosage form: Adults—Apply directly to the affected area(s) of the skin or use as a bath, hand or foot soak, or as a hair rinse, depending on the product. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. For ointment dosage form: Adults—Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin two or three times a day. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. For shampoo dosage form: Adults—Use once a day to once a week or as directed by your doctor. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. For topical solution dosage form: Adults—Apply to wet the skin or scalp, or use as a bath, depending on the product. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. For topical suspension dosage form: Adults—Use as a bath. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.