Coal Tar + Precipitated Sulpher + Salicylic Acid Topical
Indications
Coal Tar + Precipitated Sulpher + Salicylic Acid Topical is used for:
Psoriasis, Seborrheic dermatitis, Dandruff
Adult Dose
Seborrhea
Shampoo: Apply to wet hair/scalp, lather, then rinse well; use daily or every other day; 1-2 treatments per week may maintain control
Child Dose
Safety & efficacy not established
Renal Dose
Administration
Contra Indications
Application to inflamed or broken skin.
Precautions
Use with caution on the face, near eyes and mucous membranes. Do not apply to genital or rectal areas. Avoid use in patient with exacerbation of psoriasis. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and sunlamps for at least 24-72 hr after application. May stain clothes and hair. If undergoing Goeckerman treatment, all coal tar preparation should be removed from skin before exposure to radiation. Pregnancy and lactation.
Lactation: unknown
Pregnancy-Lactation
Interactions
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Coal Tar + Precipitated Sulpher + Salicylic Acid Topical :
Stinging/burning of scalp, Desquamation, Coal tar may cause discoloration or staining
Mechanism of Action
Coal tar has antipruritic, keratoplastic and keratolytic properties. It slows down excessive epidermal cell turnover and is often used topically either alone or in combination with other drugs (e.g. salicyclic acid, sulfur) in conditions such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis.
Sulfur is a keratolytic, mild antiseptic, mild antifungal and parasiticide.
Salicylic acid has a potent keratolytic action and a slight antiseptic action when applied topically. It softens and destroys the stratum corneum by increasing endogenous hydration which causes the horny layer of the skin to swell, soften, and then desquamate. At high concentrations, salicylic acid has a caustic effect. It also possesses weak antifungal and antibacterial activity.