coal tar bath products

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

coal tar bath products, such as coal tar soap and coal tar bath oil, are generally indicated for the treatment of various skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. The active ingredient in these products is coal tar, which is derived from coal and contains a complex mixture of chemicals.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Stinging or burning of skin 

Desquamation 

Photosensitivity 

Coal tar may cause discoloration  

Folliculitis 

Dermatologic dermatitis 

Irritation 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to coal tar or any of the ingredients in coal tar products should avoid their use. 

Caution: 

• Only topical usage 
• Stay away from eye contact 
• Stay away from the rectal and genital areas 
• Avoid touching broken or irritated skin 
• Avoid going outside in the sun 
• Avoid flames or fire 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: C 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

coal tar has local anesthetic properties, which can provide temporary relief from itching. 

The keratolytic action helps to reduce the thickness of plaques in conditions such as psoriasis. 

coal tar has shown antifungal activity against certain fungi that can contribute to skin conditions like dandruff.  

Pharmacodynamics 

Limited information available  

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

The absorption of coal tar through the skin can vary depending on factors such as the formulation, concentration and duration of contact.  

Distribution 

Their distribution is limited to the site of application.  

Metabolism  

Not known  

Elimination and excretion 

The excretion of coal tar and its metabolites occurs through urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration 

coal tar bath products are mainly used for topical application to the skin during a bath or shower. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: coal tar bath products 

Why do we use coal tar bath products? 

coal tar bath products help to reduce the thickness of psoriatic plaques, alleviate itching, and relieve inflammation associated with psoriasis. coal tar bath products help reduce inflammation and scale buildup associated with seborrheic dermatitis. coal tar bath products can be used to alleviate symptoms of eczema, a condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.