|
This information has been developed and provided by an independent third-party source. Merck & Co., Inc. does not endorse and is not responsible for the accuracy of the content, or for practices or
standards of non-Merck sources.
Pronunciation
(KOLE tar)
Generic Available (U.S.)
Yes: Solution
Index Terms
Brand Names: U.S.
Brand Names: Canada
Pharmacologic Category
Use: Labeled Indications
Topically for controlling dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis
Pregnancy Considerations
Limited application of coal tar during pregnancy for the treatment of psoriasis appears to be safe in pregnant women (Gelmetti, 2009; Landau, 2011).
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to coal tar or any component of the formulation
Warnings/Precautions
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Photosensitivity: May increase photosensitivity; avoid exposure to direct sunlight for 24 hours following application.
Other warnings/precautions:
• Appropriate use: For external use only; avoid contact with eyes, genital/rectal areas.
Adverse Reactions
Frequency not defined: Dermatologic: Dermatitis, folliculitis. irritation, photosensitivity
Metabolism/Transport Effects
None known.
Drug Interactions
There are no known significant interactions.
Dosage
Topical:
Bath: Add appropriate amount to bath water; for adults usually 60-90 mL of a 5% to 20% solution or 15-25 mL of 30% lotion; soak 5-20 minutes, then pat dry; use once daily to 3 days
Shampoo: Rub shampoo onto wet hair and scalp, rinse thoroughly; repeat; leave on 5 minutes; rinse thoroughly; apply twice weekly for the first 2 weeks then once weekly or more often if needed
Soap: Use on affected areas in place of regular soap. Work into a lather using warm water; massage into skin; rinse.
Skin: Apply to the affected area 1-4 times/day; decrease frequency to 2-3 times/week once condition has been controlled
Scalp psoriasis: Tar oil bath or coal tar solution may be painted sparingly to the lesions 3-12 hours before each shampoo
Psoriasis of the body, arms, legs: Apply at bedtime; if thick scales are present, use product with salicylic acid and apply several times during the day
Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment
No significant effects or complications reported
Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions
No information available to require special precautions
Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status
None reported
Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment
None reported
Dosage Forms
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Aerosol, foam, topical:
Scytera™: Coal tar solution 10% (100 g) [equivalent to coal tar 2%]
Emulsion, topical:
Cutar®: Coal tar solution 7.5% (180 mL, 3840 mL) [equivalent to coal tar 1.5%]
Exorex® Penetrating Emulsion: Coal tar 1% (100 mL, 250 mL) [contains ethanol]
Exorex® Penetrating Emulsion #2: Coal tar 2% (100 mL, 250 mL) [contains ethanol]
Gel, topical [shampoo]:
DHS™ Tar Gel: Solubilized coal tar extract 2.9% (240 mL) [equivalent to coal tar 0.5%]
Thera-Gel: 0.5% (255 mL)
Lotion, topical:
MG217® Medicated Tar: Coal tar solution 5% (120 mL) [contains jojoba; equivalent to coal tar 1%]
Oxipor® VHC: Coal tar solution 25% (56 mL, 120 mL) [contains ethanol 79%; equivalent to coal tar 5%]
Oil, topical:
Balnetar®: Coal tar 2.5% (221 mL) [for use in bath]
Ointment, topical:
MG217® Medicated Tar Intensive Strength: Coal tar solution 10% (107 g) [equivalent to coal tar 2%]
Shampoo, topical:
Betatar Gel®: Coal tar solution 12.5% (480 mL) [equivalent to coal tar 2.5%]
Denorex® Therapeutic Protection: Coal tar solution 12.5% (118 mL, 240 mL, 300 mL) [contains ethanol 10.4%; equivalent to coal tar 2.5%]
DHS® Tar: Solubilized coal tar extract 2.9% (120 mL, 240 mL, 480 mL) [equivalent to coal tar 0.5%]
ionil-T®: Coal tar 1% (240 mL, 480 mL, 960 mL) [contains ethanol 12%]
ionil-T® Plus: Coal tar 2% (240 mL)
MG217® Medicated Tar Extra Strength: Coal tar solution 15% (120 mL, 240 mL) [equivalent to coal tar 3%; with conditioners]
Neutrogena® T/Gel®: Solubilized coal tar extract 2% (130 mL, 255 mL, 480 mL) [equivalent to coal tar 0.5%]
Neutrogena® T/Gel® Extra Strength: Solubilized coal tar extract 4% (177 mL) [equivalent to coal tar 1%]
Neutrogena® T/Gel® Stubborn Itch Control: Coal tar extract 2% (130 mL) [contains menthol; equivalent to coal tar 0.5%]
Pentrax®: Coal tar 5% (236 mL)
Tera-Gel™: Solubilized coal tar extract 2% (120 mL, 255 mL) [equivalent to coal tar 0.5%]
Zetar®: Coal tar 1% (177 mL)
Shampoo/Conditioner, topical:
Denorex® Therapeutic Protection 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner: Coal tar solution 12.5% (120 mL, 240 mL, 300 mL) [contains ethanol 10.4%; equivalent to coal tar 2.5%]
Solution, topical: 20% (473 mL)
References
Gelmetti C, "Therapeutic Moisturizers as Adjuvant Therapy for Psoriasis Patients," Am J Clin Dermatol, 2009, 10(Suppl 1):7-12.
Landau JL, Moody MN, Kazakevich N, et al, "Psoriasis and the Pregnant Woman: What Are the Key Considerations?" Skin Therapy Lett, 2011, 16(9):1-3.
International Brand Names
Lexi-Comp.com
Last full review/revision March 2012
|
