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Coal Tar

This form:

Pronounced

"kole tar"

Common brand names:

Pentrax, Tarseb

Uses

This medication is used on the hair/scalp to treat dandruff and other scaly, itchy skin conditions (psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis). Coal tar belongs to a class of drugs known as keratoplastics. It works by causing the skin to shed dead cells from its top layer and slow down the growth of skin cells. This effect decreases scaling and dryness. Coal tar can also decrease itchiness from these skin conditions.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this product that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the product but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this product for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This product may also be used for other types of rashes (such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, chronic exudative dermatitis).

How to Use This Medication

Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is for use on the hair and scalp only. To avoid irritation, do not let this medication come into contact with your eyes, nose, mouth, groin, or rectum. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush the area with cool water for 15 minutes. Wash hands after use. Do not apply to broken or infected skin unless directed by your doctor.

Wet hair/scalp thoroughly. Apply a generous amount of coal tar shampoo and massage into a lather. Allow lather to remain on scalp for several minutes. Rinse thoroughly and repeat. To help keep this product out of your eyes, keep eyes closed while shampooing. Protect eyes with a washcloth or towel.

Use this product usually twice a week or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, your product type/brand, and response to treatment. Do not use large amounts of this medication, use it more often, or use it for a longer period than directed. Your condition will not clear faster, but the chance for side effects may be increased.

If your skin condition lasts or gets worse, if it covers a large area of skin, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.