Medication guide
Coal Tar Shampoo
- Generic name
- Coal Tar Shampoo
- Common brand names
- Neutrogena T/Gel
- Medication class
- Keratolytic/chromophore scalp treatment
Overview
Its medication class is Keratolytic/chromophore scalp treatment. Common uses include Psoriasis, dandruff, and scaling skin conditions. Product forms and labels can differ, so follow the specific package instructions and ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional about individual questions.
How to Take it
- Route
- Topical skin product.
- Time of day
- Apply once to twice daily; for rash/fungal products continue through full course.
- With food/water
- External use only.
- Preparation
- Apply thin layer to clean, dry skin; patch test where possible.
- Safe dose
- Small layer over affected lesions only.
- Max dose
- Do not exceed area/frequency limits on label.
- Frequency
- Usually once to twice daily.
- Other recommendations
- Stop if severe burning, swelling, or spreading redness appears.
Common uses
- Psoriasis
- dandruff
- scaling skin conditions
Common side effects
- Skin irritation
- burning
- dryness
- worsening eczema
- and increased photosensitivity
Important warnings
- Avoid use over broken skin and severe photosensitivity. Repeated use over large areas can irritate skin and increase sun burn sensitivity. Stop if severe dermatitis, blistering, or persistent pruritus occurs.
General interactions information
Avoid combining with other photosensitizers and harsh keratolytics
Sources / references
- DHS coal tar shampoo — example product label
DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
These references offer further reading. A source link does not establish that a clinician has reviewed every statement in this guide.
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