Brand Names

How to Use

Use this drug only as directed . Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than recommended on the label, unless otherwise directed by your family doctor. To do so may increase the risk of side effects.

After applying coal tar, protect the treated area from direct sunlight and do not use a sunlamp for 72 hours , unless otherwise directed by your family doctor, since a severe reaction may occur. Always make sure you have removed all the coal tar drug from your skin before you go back into direct sunlight or use a sunlamp.

Do not apply this drug to infected, blistered, raw, or oozing areas of the skin .

Keep this drug away from the eyes . If you must accidentally get some in your eyes, flush them thoroughly with water at once.

To use the cream or ointment form of this drug:

• Apply enough drug to cover the effected area and rub in gently.

To use the gel form of this drug:

• Apply enough gel to cover the effected area and rub in gently. Allow the gel to remain on the effected area for 5 minutes, then remove excess gel by patting with a clean tissue.

To use the shampoo form of this drug:

• Wet the scalp and hair with lukewarm water. Apply a generous amount of shampoo and rub into the scalp, then rinse. Apply the shampoo again, working up a rich lather and allow to remain on the scalp for 5 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly.

To use the nonshampoo liquid form of this drug:

• Some of these preparations are to be applied directly to dry or wet skin, some are to be added to lukewarm bath water and some may be applied directly to dry or wet skin or added to lukewarm bath water. Make sure you know exactly how you must use this drug. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.
• If this drug is to be applied directly to the skin, apply enough to cover the effected area and rub in gently.
• Some of these preparations contain alcohol and are flammable. Do not use near heat, near open flame, or while smoking.

Dosage

• For eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and other skin disorders:
  • For cleansing bar dosage form:
    • Adults Use one or two times a day, or as directed by your family doctor.
    • Children Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.
  • For cream dosage form:
    • Adults Apply to the effected area - s of the skin up to four times a day.
    • Children Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.
  • For gel dosage form:
    • Adults Apply to the effected area - s of the skin one or two times a day.
    • Children Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.
  • For lotion dosage form:
    • Adults Apply directly to the effected area - s of the skin or use as a bath, hand or foot soak, or as a hair rinse, depending on the product.
    • Children Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.
  • For ointment dosage form:
    • Adults Apply to the effected area - s of the skin two or three times a day.
    • Children Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.
  • For shampoo dosage form:
    • Adults Use once a day to once a week or as directed by your family doctor.
    • Children Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.
  • For topical solution dosage form:
    • Adults Apply to wet the skin or scalp, or use as a bath, depending on the product.
    • Children Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.
  • For topical suspension dosage form:
    • Adults Use as a bath.
    • Children Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.

Missed dose If you miss a dose of this drug, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage To store this drug:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the drug from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated drug or drug no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded drug is out of the reach of children.