Salicylic acid + Coal tar Topical
Indications
Salicylic acid + Coal tar Topical is used for:
Relieves itching & flaking associated with, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis of the scalp.
Adult Dose
Seborrhea
Shampoo: Apply to wet hair/scalp, lather for several minutes, then rinse thoroughly & repeat
Gel: Apply directly to plaques; leave in place for up to 1 hr; wet hair and lather for several minutes and rinse
Child Dose
Renal Dose
Administration
Massage the solution into wet hair. Rinse, then apply again and massage in hair for about 5 mins before rinsing.
Contra Indications
Hypersensitivity
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.
Pregnancy-Lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: unknown
Interactions
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Salicylic acid + Coal tar Topical :
Frequency Not Defined
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.
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.