coal tar

tar

 [tahr]

a dark brown or black viscid liquid from the wood of various species of pine, or found as a by-product of the destructive distillation of bituminous coal (see coal tar). It is a complex mixture, the source of organic substances such as cresol, creosol, naphthalene, paraffin, phenol, and toluene. Formerly used as an oral medication in treatment of various conditions, it has been found to be toxic and carcinogenic and now has only limited topical use in certain skin diseases.

coal tar a by-product obtained in destructive distillation of bituminous coal; if its fumes are inhaled or if it is ingested in its natural state, it is toxic and carcinogenic. A preparation is used in ointment or solution in treatment of eczema and psoriasis.

coal tar

(kōl tar),

A by-product obtained during the destructive distillation of bituminous coal; a dark semisolid of characteristic naphthalenelike odor and a sharp, burning taste; used to treat skin diseases.

coal tar

n.

A viscous black liquid containing numerous organic compounds that is obtained by the destructive distillation of coal and used as a roofing, waterproofing, and insulating compound and as a raw material for many dyes, drugs, and paints.

coal tar

a topical drug for treating eczema.

indications It is prescribed in the treatment of chronic skin conditions, such as dandruff, seborrheal dermatitis, and psoriasis.

contraindication Known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use.

adverse effects Among the most serious adverse effects are skin irritation and local hypersensitivity reactions.

A blackish, semisolid by-product of the destructive distillation of bituminous coal, which contains benzene, naphthalene, phenols, and other organic compounds; coal tar is used to treat psoriasis, and may induce clearance of psoriatic plaques
Cons Unpleasant odour, carcinogenic
Coal tar is usually combined with UVB light

coal tar

Therapeutics A blackish, semisolid byproduct of the destructive distillation of bituminous coal, which contains benzene, naphthalene, phenols, and other organic compounds; CT is used to treat psoriasis, and may induce clearance of psoriatic plaques Cons Unpleasant odor, carcinogenic; CT is usually combined with UVB light. See Psoriasis.

coal tar

A complex mixture of organic substances, especially polycyclic hydrocarbons, derived from the distillation of coal. Although the action of this mixture is not well understood, coal tar preparations are used empirically to treat various skin disorders such as ECZEMA and PSORIASIS. The drug is on the WHO official list. It is contained in numerous trade preparations such as Baltar, Capasal, Carbo-Dome, Gelcotar, Pentrax, Polytar, Psoriderm and Tar Band.

coal tar

petrochemical derivative with anti-inflammatory properties used as an ointment, paste or bath lotion in the topical treatment of inflammatory skin conditions, e.g. psoriasis, eczema; as 1-10% coal tar in soft paraffin (effective, but poorly tolerated by patients); coal tar preparations include: calamine and coal tar ointment BP; coal tar and salicylic acid ointment BP; coal tar paste BP; zinc and coal tar paste BP

coal tar,

n an extract of coal used in combination with other compounds for the treatment of chronic skin diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis. Also a derivative of tobacco smoke that may act as an irritant and carcinogen.

coal tar

a by-product obtained in destructive distillation of bituminous coal or wood; useful for its keratolytic, keratoplastic and antiseborrheic effects in ointments and shampoos for the treatment of skin disease.