coal tar extract at a glance
Medicine class
Medicated coal tar shampoo
Usual uses
Dandruff, scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis
Administration
Applied to a wet scalp, lathered and rinsed off
Sunlight
May make treated skin more sensitive to sunlight
What is coal tar extract used for?
The selected shampoo is licensed for scalp conditions associated with itching, flaking and excessive scale.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp
Dandruff
Scalp psoriasis
How does coal tar extract work?
Coal tar reduces excessive division and protein production in overactive skin cells, helping epidermal growth and keratin formation move towards normal. It also has anti-itch, vasoconstrictive and antiseptic properties.
How to take coal tar extract
For use only on the scalp.
Wet the hair thoroughly.
Massage the shampoo into the scalp to form a lather, then rinse thoroughly.
Avoid the eyes; rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs.
Stop using it and seek advice if significant irritation develops.
coal tar extract side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reported effects, with frequency not known, include burning, itching, irritation or dryness at the application site; dry scalp or hair; rash; acne-like eruptions; eye irritation; temporary hair-colour change; and hair loss.
Get urgent medical advice
- Hypersensitivity, including hives or marked sensitivity to light
- Angioedema causing swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat
coal tar extract in pregnancy
Safety in human pregnancy has not been established. The selected product should not be used during pregnancy unless a doctor has discussed the expected benefits and possible risks. People planning pregnancy should also seek advice.
coal tar extract while breastfeeding
The selected product is not recommended during breastfeeding unless its benefits and risks have been assessed with a doctor, because adequate safety information is unavailable.
coal tar extract interactions
No interaction studies have been performed, and the selected SmPC does not identify specific medicine interactions.
Common questions about coal tar extract
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is coal tar extract shampoo used for?
It is used for dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp and scalp psoriasis.
Can it be used on broken or inflamed skin?
No. The selected shampoo is contraindicated on broken or acutely inflamed skin.
Can children use it?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.