Coal Tar

Drug #195

Coal Tar is the principal by-product of the destructive distillation of bituminous coal, is an exceedingly complex mixture containing about 10,000 compounds. These include naphthalene, benzene, xylene, toulene, phenol, cresol, other aromatic compounds, ammonia and peroxides. It acts as a local irritant and mainly effective in the treatment of skin infections such as psoriasis, dermatitis etc.

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Primary Characteristics

It is of Natural origin and belongs to Hydrocarbon.

It belongs to Skin application and lotion pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action. It is also classified under Dermatological Products .

Solubility in Water: slightly soluble · Solubility in Alcohol: partially soluble · Non-proprietary name: Coal Tar.

Pharmacokinetics

None recorded.

Indications

Coal Tar is primarily indicated in conditions like Atopic dermatitis, Chronic eczema, Dandruff, Psoriasis, Seborrheic dermatitis.

Contraindications

Coal Tar is contraindicated in conditions like Inflammed or broken skin.

Dosage

Coal Tar's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
2.05 %	2.05 %	—	Topical	Twice to Thrice per week, for 3-Weeks
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
0.1 %	0.1 %	—	Topical	Twice to Thrice per week, for 3-Weeks
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
0.1 %	0.1 %	—	Topical	Twice to Thrice per week, for 3-Weeks

Drug Interactions

None recorded.

Side Effects

Coal Tar produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Skin cancer. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

Coal Tar is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Acneform eruptions, Allergic reactions, Bacterial eruptions, Contact dermatitis, Folliculitis, Irritant reactions, Photosensitivity.

Warnings / Precautions

Coal tar preparations should not be applied to patients with skin abrasion or skin that is inflamed, broken, or infected because exacerbation of the condition can occur and systemic absorption of the drug can be enhanced. Sunlight (UV) exposure should be avoided for at least 24 hours following application of coal tar preparations, unless otherwise directed by a physician, because a photosensitivity reaction can occur. In addition, development of cutaneous viral infections is possible following UV light exposure. It is classified as pregnancy category C and sould be used during pregnancy and breast feeding only when clearly needed.

Available Brands

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Single Ingredient

Liquid

1 %w/v 4 %w/v

Shampoo

5 mg

Soap

1 %w/w

Multi-Ingredient Combinations

Liquid

Lotion

Oint

Soap

Storage Conditions

Coal Tar should be stored Cream, Oint, Shampoo, Paste, Topical Soln .

Drug Classification

1.13.5.2 — Others

Manufacturers

Manufacturers of Coal Tar in Pakistan:

Caraway GSK Mass Sulk Varioline Wilsons