Coal tar is a cream, lotion or gel that treats skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Follow the directions on the label to apply this cream to your affected skin as directed.
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COAL TAR (kohl tahr) reduces swelling, redness, itching, or rashes caused by skin conditions, such as psoriasis. It works by reducing redness, irritation, and scaling on the skin.
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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cutar, Doak Tar, Fototar, Psorigel
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
This medication is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Wash your hands before and after use. If you are treating your hands, only wash your hands before use. Do not get it in your eyes. If you do, rinse your eyes with plenty of cool tap water. Use it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not use it more often than directed. Use the medication for the full course as directed by your care team, even if you think you are better. Do not stop using it unless your care team tells you to stop it early.
Apply a thin film of the medication to the affected area.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 2 for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
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NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
Interactions are not expected.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
This medication may cause white fabric to turn yellow. Wash yellowed fabrics with laundry detergent.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F).
This medication is flammable. Avoid exposure to heat, fire, flame, and smoking.
Get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.