Type of medicine: keratolytic
Generic and brand names: coal tar, topical; Balnetar; Betatar; Cutar Bath Oil Emulsion; DHS Tar; MG217; Neutrogena T/Gel; Oxipor VHC; Polytar Bath; Scytera; Tera-Gel (There may be other brand names for this medicine.)
This medicine is used on the skin to treat psoriasis, dandruff, certain types of dermatitis, and other skin conditions.
Tell your healthcare provider if have had an allergic reaction to any medicine.
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
This medicine is for external (on the skin or scalp) use only. It comes in the form of cream, lotion, gel, shampoo, bath oil, liquid, and foam. Use this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider or according to the instructions in the medicine package. Read and follow the directions carefully. If you have questions about how to use your medicine, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain.
Do not use this medicine on broken, blistered, or irritated skin. Keep it away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you accidentally get the medicine in your eyes, flush them with water right away. Do not use on the rectal or genital areas. Avoid fire, flame, or smoking during and right after using this medicine.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
Tell your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. Ask your healthcare provider when you can expect improvement.
This medicine may stain your skin, contact lenses, and clothing. Let the medicine dry completely to decrease staining. Stains on the skin wear off in time. The medicine can also temporarily discolor blond, tinted, or bleached hair when it is used on the scalp.
Protect your skin from direct sunlight for at least 24 hours after using the medicine or as instructed by your healthcare provider.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider): Skin irritation, swelling, or rash.
Other: Stinging when you use the medicine, sensitivity to sunlight.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
