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Topical psoriasis preparation

Coal tar with calamine

A topical preparation combining coal tar with calamine, used for chronic inflammatory and scaling skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, where the calamine provides a soothing, mildly astringent effect alongside the antiscaling action of tar.

Dosing — no UK product information found

We found no UK product information (SmPC) for this medicine or presentation on the eMC or MHRA Products (checked October 2026). It may be unlicensed in the UK, imported, a medical device, or no longer marketed. ClinCalc Pro shows only doses it can trace to official product information, so none is shown — follow your specialist service or local guideline.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Coal tar provides anti-inflammatory, antimitotic, antiscaling and antipruritic effects on the skin, while calamine (a zinc oxide-based preparation) acts as a soothing protectant that relieves itching and mild irritation.

Prescribing in practice

  • As with all coal tar products it increases photosensitivity, so treated skin should be protected from sunlight and caution applied if phototherapy is used.
  • Avoid application to broken, infected or acutely inflamed skin, where tar can cause irritation or folliculitis.
  • The preparation stains skin, hair, clothing and bedding and has a tar odour.

Monitoring

No laboratory monitoring is required; review the skin clinically for irritation and response.

Counselling the patient

  • Apply as directed; expect staining of fabrics and a characteristic smell.
  • Keep treated skin out of strong sunlight.
  • Stop if the skin becomes irritated or spotty and seek advice.

Evidence & guidelines

Coal tar-containing topical preparations are an established adjunct in chronic plaque psoriasis and eczema, used within stepped topical regimens recommended by NICE.

Reference: Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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