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Topical scalp preparation Pregnancy: SPC section 4.6 states: no known side effects.

Coal tar with coconut oil and salicylic acid

Brand names: Cocois, Capasal

A topical (typically scalp) preparation combining coal tar with coconut oil and salicylic acid, used for scaling scalp conditions such as psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, dandruff and cradle cap.

Auto-extracted from the source labelling — not yet independently clinician-verified. These values were distilled from the UK SPC (or the US label where noted) but have not had a clinician sign-off. Confirm against the current SmPC before prescribing.

Adult dose

Dose: Massage a small amount of shampoo into the scalp - approximately a quantity the size of a fifty pence piece for short hair, adjusting up depending on length/thickness of hair
Route: Topical (scalp; use as a shampoo) - for external use only
Frequency: Daily if necessary, reducing the frequency to once or twice a week as the condition improves; thereafter occasional use may be necessary
Source is the Capasal Therapeutic Shampoo SPC (coal tar with coconut oil and salicylic acid). Same directions given for adults, children and the elderly. Method: wet the hair thoroughly, massage the shampoo into the scalp and leave on for a few minutes before washing out; if necessary repeat, producing a rich lather, then rinse hair well and dry. Keep away from the eyes. In case of irritation, if there is no improvement after 4 weeks, or if the scalp condition looks or feels worse, discontinue treatment and seek advice. No numeric maximum dose, renal adjustment or per-kg paediatric dose is stated in the SPC.

Dose auto-extracted from UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) via the eMC; US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed) — cross-check; US labelling may differ from UK — not yet clinician-verified. Always confirm against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients

Side effects

  • None known (SPC section 4.8)

Interactions

  • None known (SPC section 4.5)

Clinical monograph

How it works

Coal tar provides anti-inflammatory, antiscaling and antipruritic action, salicylic acid is a keratolytic that softens and lifts adherent scale, and coconut oil acts as an emollient base that loosens crusts and aids removal of scale.

Prescribing in practice

  • Coal tar increases photosensitivity, so the scalp and any treated skin should be protected from strong sunlight, with extra care if phototherapy is used.
  • Keep the preparation away from the eyes and broken or inflamed skin, as both tar and salicylic acid can cause irritation.
  • Salicylic acid is absorbed percutaneously, so avoid widespread application especially in young children to limit the risk of salicylate toxicity.

Monitoring

No laboratory monitoring is generally required; review the scalp for irritation and response to treatment.

Counselling the patient

  • Massage into the scalp as directed and rinse out; take care to avoid the eyes.
  • Expect a tar smell and possible staining of light or bleached hair.
  • Stop and seek advice if the scalp becomes sore or irritated.

Evidence & guidelines

Combined coal tar and salicylic acid scalp preparations are well-established for scaling scalp disorders and feature in stepped topical care for scalp psoriasis.

Reference: Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. The structured dose values shown have been reviewed by a clinician. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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