Uses for salicylic acid, sulfur, and coal tar

Salicylic acid, sulfur, and coal tar combination is used to treat dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis of the scalp.

This medicine is available without a prescription.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Precautions while using salicylic acid, sulfur, and coal tar

Do not use any topical mercury-containing preparation, such as ammoniated mercury ointment, on the same affected area as this medicine. To do so may cause a foul odor, may be irritating to the skin, and may stain the skin black. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

This medicine may temporarily discolor blond, bleached, or tinted hair.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Before using salicylic acid, sulfur, and coal tar

In deciding to use a medicine, you need to think about the risks versus the benefits. This is a choice you will make with your doctor. For this medicine, consider the following:

Allergies

Let your doctor know if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, inform your health care professional about any other allergies you might have, like to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Young children may be at a higher risk of side effects due to increased absorption of salicylic acid through the skin. Do not apply medicines containing salicylic acid to large areas of the body or use them for long periods in infants and children.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults. Therefore, it may be unclear if they work the same way as they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or issues in older individuals. There is no specific information comparing the use of salicylic acid, sulfur, and coal tar combination medicine in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others may be combined even if an interaction could happen. In these situations, your doctor may adjust the dose or take other precautions. When you are taking this medicine, it is very important that your healthcare professional knows if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected based on their potential importance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Ketorolac

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Abciximab
Aceclofenac
Acemetacin
Amiloride
Amineptine
Amitriptyline
Amitriptylinoxide
Amoxapine
Amtolmetin Guacil
Anagrelide
Ardeparin
Aspirin
Balsalazide
Bemetizide
Bemiparin
Bendroflumethiazide
Benzthiazide
Betamethasone
Betrixaban
Bismuth Subsalicylate
Bromfenac
Budesonide
Bufexamac
Bumetanide
Cangrelor
Celecoxib
Certoparin
Chlorothiazide
Chlorthalidone
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate
Choline Salicylate
Cilostazol
Citalopram
Clomipramine
Clonixin
Clopamide
Clopidogrel
Cortisone
Cyclopenthiazide
Cyclosporine
Cyclothiazide
Dalteparin
Danaparoid
Deflazacort
Desipramine
Desmopressin
Desvenlafaxine
Dexamethasone
Dexibuprofen
Dexketoprofen
Diazoxide
Dibenzepin
Diclofenac
Diflunisal
Digoxin
Dipyridamole
Dipyrone
Dothiepin
Doxepin
Droxicam
Duloxetine
Edoxaban
Emtricitabine
Enoxaparin
Eplerenone
Epoprostenol
Eptifibatide
Escitalopram
Ethacrynic Acid
Etodolac
Etofenamate
Etoricoxib
Etozolin
Felbinac
Fenoprofen
Fepradinol
Feprazone
Feverfew
Floctafenine
Flufenamic Acid
Fluocortolone
Fluoxetine
Flurbiprofen
Fluvoxamine
Furosemide
Ginkgo
Gossypol
Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrocortisone
Hydroflumethiazide
Ibuprofen
Iloprost
Imipramine
Indapamide
Indomethacin
Inotersen
Ketoprofen
Levomilnacipran
Lithium
Lofepramine
Lornoxicam
Loxoprofen
Lumiracoxib
Magnesium Salicylate
Meadowsweet
Meclofenamate
Mefenamic Acid
Melitracen
Meloxicam
Melphalan
Mesalamine
Methotrexate
Methyclothiazide
Methylprednisolone
Metolazone
Milnacipran
Morniflumate
Nabumetone
Nadroparin
Naproxen
Nefazodone
Nepafenac
Niflumic Acid
Nimesulide
Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
Nortriptyline
Olsalazine
Opipramol
Oxaprozin
Oxyphenbutazone
Paramethasone
Parecoxib
Parnaparin
Paroxetine
Pemetrexed
Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium
Pentoxifylline
Phenylbutazone
Phenyl Salicylate
Piketoprofen
Piretanide
Piroxicam
Polythiazide
Potassium Citrate
Prasugrel
Prednisolone
Prednisone
Proglumetacin
Propyphenazone
Proquazone
Protriptyline
Quinethazone
Reviparin
Rofecoxib
Salicylamide
Salicylic Acid
Salsalate
Selexipag
Sertraline
Sibutramine
Sodium Salicylate
Spironolactone
Sulfasalazine
Sulfinpyrazone
Sulindac
Tacrolimus
Tenofovir Alafenamide
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
Tenoxicam
Tianeptine
Tiaprofenic Acid
Ticagrelor
Ticlopidine
Tinzaparin
Tirofiban
Tolfenamic Acid
Tolmetin
Torsemide
Trazodone
Treprostinil
Triamterene
Trichlormethiazide
Trimipramine
Trolamine Salicylate
Valdecoxib
Venlafaxine
Vilazodone
Vorapaxar
Vortioxetine
Xipamide

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may increase the risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment option for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Acebutolol
Acenocoumarol
Anisindione
Atenolol
Azilsartan
Azilsartan Medoxomil
Benazepril
Betaxolol
Bisoprolol
Candesartan
Captopril
Carteolol
Carvedilol
Celiprolol
Dicumarol
Enalapril
Enalaprilat
Eprosartan
Esmolol
Fosinopril
Irbesartan
Labetalol
Levobunolol
Lisinopril
Losartan
Metipranolol
Metoprolol
Moexipril
Nadolol
Nebivolol
Olmesartan
Oxprenolol
Penbutolol
Perindopril
Phenindione
Phenprocoumon
Pindolol
Probenecid
Propranolol
Quinapril
Ramipril
Sotalol
Spirapril
Tamarind
Telmisartan
Timolol
Trandolapril
Valsartan
Warfarin

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be used around the time of eating food or certain types of food since interactions may happen. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also cause interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Side Effects of salicylic acid, sulfur, and coal tar

In animal studies, coal tar (found in this combination medicine) has been shown to increase the chance of skin cancer.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Skin irritation not present before use of this medicine

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Available Dosage Forms:

Shampoo

Therapeutic Class: Coal Tar Derivative/Salicylate, Non-Aspirin Combination

Pharmacologic Class: NSAID

Chemical Class: Salicylate, Non-Aspirin

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Proper use of salicylic acid, sulfur, and coal tar

Use this medicine only as directed. Do not use it more often than recommended on the label, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

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

Before using this medicine, wet the hair and scalp with lukewarm water. Then apply a generous amount to the scalp and work up a rich lather. Rub the lather into the scalp for 5 minutes, then rinse. Apply the medicine again and rinse thoroughly.

Immediately after using this medicine, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.

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 dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis of the scalp: For cream shampoo and lotion shampoo dosage forms: Adults and children—Use on the scalp one or two times a week.

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.

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Before you take this medicine: the information on this page is general and may not cover your personal circumstances. Read the label supplied with your medicine and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medicines or managing a long-term condition.

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Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.