Polytar Shampoo: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Polytar Shampoo contains coal tar topical, a keratoplastic agent, and belongs to the miscellaneous topical agents drug class. It is a medicated shampoo applied to the hair and scalp to help treat dandruff and other scaly, itchy skin conditions. It is used for conditions such as psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, and eczema. It is for use on the hair and scalp only.

What is Polytar Shampoo

Polytar is a medicated shampoo containing coal tar solution, used on the hair and scalp to treat dandruff and other scaly, itchy skin conditions.

Polytar Shampoo uses

• Dandruff and dryness
• Psoriasis
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis
• Eczema and other rashes such as atopic dermatitis and chronic exudative dermatitis
• Flaking, scaling, and itching of the scalp

Benefits of Polytar Shampoo

• Helps control dandruff and scalp flaking.
• Helps relieve itching and irritation of the scalp.
• Can help manage seborrheic dermatitis.
• Helps reduce scaling and plaque buildup associated with scalp psoriasis.
• Coal tar helps slow excessive skin-cell turnover on the scalp.
• Can improve overall scalp comfort and cleanliness with regular use.

How Polytar Shampoo works

Coal tar works by causing the skin to shed dead cells from its top layer and slowing down the growth of skin cells. This reduces scaling, dryness, and itchiness.

Polytar Shampoo dosage

This medication is for use on the hair and scalp only. Wet hair and scalp thoroughly, apply a generous amount of shampoo, and massage into a lather. Allow the lather to remain on the scalp for several minutes, then rinse thoroughly and repeat.

Keep eyes closed while shampooing and protect eyes with a washcloth or towel to keep the product out of your eyes. Avoid letting the medication come into contact with your eyes, nose, mouth, groin, or rectum; if this happens, flush the area with cool water for 15 minutes. Wash your hands after use.

Do not apply to broken or infected skin unless directed by your doctor. Use this product usually a couple of times a week, or as directed by your doctor; do not use it more often or for longer than directed.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double up doses.

If using on the scalp, hair colouring (blond, bleached, or tinted) may be temporarily discoloured. Avoid getting the product on clothing or fabrics, as it may cause staining.

Available forms and strengths

• Topical shampoo
• Topical foam
• Topical gel/jelly
• Topical liquid
• Topical lotion
• Topical ointment
• Topical solution

Side effects of Polytar Shampoo

Common

• Mild stinging, especially with gel and solution forms
• Skin or scalp irritation
• Staining of skin or hair (especially with blonde, bleached, dyed, or gray hair)
• Temporary discoloration of blond, bleached, or tinted hair
• Coal tar may stain skin or clothing

Serious

• Skin irritation not present before use of this medicine
• Skin rash
• Hair follicle problems (tar acne) with long-term use
• Serious allergic reaction (rare), including rash, itching/swelling of face/tongue/throat, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use if you have had an allergic reaction to coal tar or other listed ingredients, if you have infected, open, or damaged skin or pus-filled blisters, or if you are under 12 years old.
• Use caution if you have sensitive, broken, or inflamed skin, as it may cause irritation. Stop using if irritation develops.
• If contact with eyes occurs, rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• Use caution if you are exposed to strong sunlight or sunbeds, as coal tar may increase sun sensitivity.
• Be careful with clothes or fabrics like bedding exposed to Polytar, as it may cause staining or increase flammability.
• Use caution if you are taking medications that increase sun sensitivity, such as thiazide diuretics (water tablets), tetracycline antibiotics, or phenothiazine tranquilisers.
• In animal studies, coal tar has been shown to increase the chance of skin cancer.
• Long-term use of this product can cause hair follicle problems (tar acne).
• Talk to your doctor before using Polytar if you are pregnant. Do not use during the first trimester of pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before using Polytar if you are breastfeeding.
• No specific kidney-related precautions are normally required with topical use. No specific liver-related precautions are normally required with topical use. No known interaction with drinking alcohol. No expected effect on driving or operating machinery.

Storage

• Store at room temperature, as directed on the product label.
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from excessive heat.
• Protect from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed after each use.
• Do not freeze and avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
• Keep out of reach of children.

When to see a doctor

• Get medical help right away if your skin condition lasts or gets worse, covers a large area of skin, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem.
• Stop using this product and tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly if skin irritation develops or worsens.
• Contact your doctor if you notice new skin bumps or acne in the treated area.
• Get medical help right away if you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

Alternatives

• Selenium Sulfide Shampoo
• Nizoral Shampoo
• Ketoconazole Shampoo
• T/Gel Shampoo