coal tar, distilled + coconut oil + salicylic acid: clinical use

Prescribing considerations

• Confirm that symptoms represent a dry, scaly scalp disorder covered by the product licence.
• For external scalp use only; counsel on avoiding ocular exposure and rinsing thoroughly.
• The shampoo may assist removal of adherent scale or previous topical scalp applications.
• Sodium benzoate may cause local irritation and may increase jaundice in newborn babies up to four weeks old.

Contraindications and cautions

• Hypersensitivity to distilled coal tar, coconut oil, salicylic acid or any excipient.

Monitoring

• Assess for irritant or allergic skin reactions, especially after initial applications.
• Stop and reassess if the scalp worsens, becomes irritated or does not improve.
• Suspected adverse reactions can be reported through the UK Yellow Card Scheme.

Clinical pharmacology

Distilled coal tar has antipruritic and keratoplastic actions; salicylic acid is a mild keratolytic; coconut oil acts as an emollient, softening agent and lubricant.

Formulation and product differences

• This rinse-off shampoo combines coal tar, salicylic acid and coconut oil rather than using coal tar alone.
• It contains sodium benzoate and preservatives including methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone, which may be relevant when assessing contact sensitivity.