Coal tar is commonly available as a generic drug and over the counter.
Coal tar is used in medicinal shampoos, soaps and ointments. It has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and antiparasitic properties. It can be applied topically to treat dandruff and psoriasis, as well as to kill and repel lice. It can be used in combination with ultraviolet radiation therapy.
Coal tar can be used in two forms: raw coal tar (Latin: pix carbonis) or coal tar solution (Latin: liquor picis carbonis, LPC), also known as coal tar solution (LCD). Brand names: Denorex, Balnetar, Psoriasin, Tegrin, T/Gel and Neutar. When used for the preparation of topical medicines, it is supplied as a solution of coal tar for topical use USP, which consists of a 20% by weight solution of coal tar in alcohol with the addition of 5% by weight polysorbate 80 USP; then it must be diluted with an ointment base, such as petroleum jelly.