coal tar
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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.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
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.
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
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.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cons Unpleasant odour, carcinogenic
Coal tar is usually combined with UVB light
Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.
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.McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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.Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005