Scalp conditions (dandruff, psoriasis, seborrhea dermatitis): Topical: Shampoo: Rub shampoo onto wet hair and scalp; leave on scalp for up to 5 minutes; rinse thoroughly; repeat. Apply at least twice weekly or more often if needed.
Skin conditions (psoriasis, seborrhea dermatitis): Topical:
Cream, foam, lotion, ointment: Apply to the affected area 1 to 4 times/day.
Bath (Cutar): Add 60 to 120 mL to bath water; mix well; soak for 10 to 20 minutes or as directed, then pat dry.
Foot/Hand soak (Cutar): Add 30 to 60 mL of lotion to a sink or basin filled with water. Mix well. Soak for 5 to 10 minutes or as directed.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.
(For additional information see "Coal tar: Pediatric drug information")
Note: Indications vary by product; see specific product labeling.
Atopic dermatitis: Note: Guidelines do not include recommendations for use of coal tar (Eichenfeld 2014); limited data available: Children and Adolescents: Topical: 2% to 5% coal tar cream may be applied once daily or every other day to reduce inflammation (Hanifin 1991)
Seborrhea, dermatitis: Shampoo: Adolescents: Topical: Apply twice weekly (Clark 2015)
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
Refer to adult dosing.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Emulsion, External:
Cutar: 1.5% (177 mL) [contains methylparaben, polysorbate 80, propylparaben]
Foam, External:
Scytera: 2% (100 g) [contains disodium edta]
Ointment, External:
Psoriasin: 2% (113 g) [contains alcohol, usp, polysorbate 80]
Shampoo, External:
Beta Care Betatar Gel: 2.5% (480 mL) [contains trolamine (triethanolamine)]
DHS Tar: 0.5% (120 mL, 240 mL)
DHS Tar: 0.5% (120 mL, 240 mL) [fragrance free]
DHS Tar Gel: 0.5% (240 mL)
Ionil-T: 1% (473 mL) [contains alcohol, usp, benzalkonium chloride, edetate (edta) sodium (tetrasodium), isopropyl alcohol]
PC-Tar: 1% (177 mL [DSC])
Tera-Gel Tar: 0.5% (118 mL [DSC], 237 mL [DSC]) [contains edetate (edta) sodium (tetrasodium), methylparaben, polysorbate 80, propylparaben]
Therapeutic: 0.5% (251 mL)
X-Seb T Pearl: 10% (236 mL) [contains edetate (edta) disodium, fd&c blue #1 (brilliant blue)]
X-Seb T Plus: 10% (236 mL) [contains edetate (edta) disodium, fd&c blue #1 (brilliant blue)]
Solution, External:
Generic: 20% (100 mL, 500 mL, 4000 mL)
May be product dependent
Topical: For topical external use only. Avoid contact with eyes and genitals. Wash hands before and after each use. Discontinue if use causes irritation. May stain light-colored fabrics. To prevent staining, do not use in plastic or fiberglass tubs, sinks, or basins. Blot off excess lotion with a tissue to prevent staining of clothing or linen.
Cream, foam, lotion, ointment: Gently massage into dry, affected areas.
Foam: Shake can well before use. Invert can to dispense foam.
Shampoo: Rub onto wet hair and scalp; leave on for several minutes; rinse thoroughly; repeat.
Topical: For external use only; avoid contact with eyes. Do not apply in or near anogenital areas unless directed by a physician. Wash hands before and after application.
Cream, gel, ointment: Wash affected area and dry thoroughly; rub small amount of coal tar onto affected area
Foam: Shake well prior to use; invert can to dispense. Product may stain clothing, contact lenses, and hair; to minimize staining allow product to dry before contact.
Oil (Cutar Emulsion): May be used as a lotion or add appropriate amount of coal tar to bath or water for hand/foot soak
Shampoo: Rub shampoo onto wet hair and scalp and lather, leave on hair and scalp for several minutes; rinse thoroughly and repeat
Scalp and skin conditions: Relief of symptoms (itching, scaling, flaking, redness, and irritation) due to dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis.
Pentrax [US, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland] may be confused with Permax brand name for pergolide [multiple international markets]
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified. Frequency not defined.
Dermatologic: Dermatitis, folliculitis. skin irritation, skin photosensitivity
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Hair color changes: Shampoo may cause discoloration of gray, blond, tinted, or bleached hair.
• Photosensitivity: May increase photosensitivity; avoid exposure to direct sunlight for 24 hours following application.
• Staining: May stain light colored fabrics; do not use in plastic or fiberglass tubs, sinks, or basins.
Other warnings/precautions:
• Polysorbate 80: Some dosage forms may contain polysorbate 80 (also known as Tweens). Hypersensitivity reactions, usually a delayed reaction, have been reported following exposure to pharmaceutical products containing polysorbate 80 in certain individuals (Isaksson 2002; Lucente 2000; Shelley 1995). See manufacturer's labeling.
• Self-medication (OTC use): For external use only; avoid eyes. Talk to your health care provider before applying if the condition covers a large area of the body or is located around the genital, groin, or rectal area. Do not use this product with other forms of psoriasis therapy such as ultraviolet radiation or prescription drugs unless directed by healthcare provider. Do not use more often or longer than recommended by your health care provider; overuse may make condition worse. Discontinue use and contact health care provider if condition worsens, does not improve after regular use as directed, or excessive irritation occurs.
Some dosage forms may contain propylene glycol; in neonates large amounts of propylene glycol delivered orally, intravenously (eg, >3,000 mg/day), or topically have been associated with potentially fatal toxicities which can include metabolic acidosis, seizures, renal failure, and CNS depression; toxicities have also been reported in children and adults including hyperosmolality, lactic acidosis, seizures, and respiratory depression; use caution (AAP 1997; Shehab 2009).
None known.
There are no known significant interactions.
Limited application of coal tar during pregnancy for the treatment of psoriasis appears to be safe in pregnant women (Gelmetti, 2009; Landau, 2011).
A case report describes the absorption of the components of a coal tar containing ointment by a nursing infant. The components were not detected in breast milk, but were assumed to be absorbed by the infant following skin-to-skin contact with the mother while nursing. If coal tar is used in a nursing mother, direct contact by the infant should be avoided (Scheepers, 2009).
Tar derivatives have antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiseborrheic properties, and loosen and soften scales and crusts.
Emulsion (Cutar External)
1.5% (per mL): $0.14
Foam (Scytera External)
2% (per gram): $0.32
Shampoo (Beta Care Betatar Gel External)
2.5% (per mL): $0.02
Shampoo (DHS Tar External)
0.5% (per mL): $0.05
Shampoo (DHS Tar Gel External)
0.5% (per mL): $0.04
Shampoo (Ionil-T External)
1% (per mL): $0.06
Shampoo (X-Seb T Pearl External)
10% (per mL): $0.08
Shampoo (X-Seb T Plus External)
10% (per mL): $0.08
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.