Common questions about Tarmed (Coal tar) (FAQ)
Q: Is Tarmed generally available over the counter, or does it require a prescription?
A: Coal tar preparations are available both over-the-counter (OTC) and as prescription products. The OTC options are typically found in lower concentrations (0.5% to 5%) and are governed by FDA monographs. Prescription status depends entirely on the product’s specific concentration and formulation.
Q: What is the official warning about using Tarmed around the eyes?
A: Official product safety warnings are clear that Tarmed is intended for external use only, and official warnings specify avoiding contact with the eyes. If accidental contact occurs, official safety information indicates that the eyes should be flushed immediately with water.
Q: Can Tarmed be used on sensitive areas of the body, like the face or groin?
A: Official patient information generally advises against applying over-the-counter coal tar preparations to the face, genitals, rectum, or severely broken skin. Consultation with a healthcare professional is noted as necessary for the use of this product in sensitive areas.
Q: What should be done if Tarmed accidentally gets into the mouth or is swallowed?
A: If accidental ingestion occurs, official information describes that a poison control center or emergency medical help should be contacted. Furthermore, the safety information specifies that vomiting should not be induced unless directed by a medical professional.
Q: Can Tarmed lose its effectiveness if it is exposed to heat or light?
A: Official documents describe storage conditions that include maintaining a controlled room temperature and protecting the product from freezing, excessive heat, and direct sunlight. These conditions are described as critical for maintaining the product's quality and stability.
Q: What are the guidelines regarding showering or bathing after Tarmed application?
A: Guidelines vary based on the form of the product. For wash-off products like medicated shampoos, the official usage protocol includes a contact time with the scalp for several minutes before rinsing. For bath solutions, official guidance suggests a typical soak time of 10 to 20 minutes before gently patting the skin dry.
Q: Can Tarmed affect the color or texture of hair?
A: Official warnings state that topical coal tar products may temporarily discolor light-colored, bleached, blond, or tinted hair. Additionally, some wash-off shampoo formulations may potentially lead to a temporary increase in hair dryness or brittleness.
Q: Does Tarmed interact with products containing salicylic acid?
A: Official documentation confirms that topical combinations of coal tar and salicylic acid are permitted and widely available. These products are often formulated together to treat conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. This is noted as an indication that the ingredients are not incompatible when used in the same product.
Q: Can Tarmed be used at the same time as prescription topical steroids?
A: Regulatory documents primarily flag interactions with photosensitizing agents, which increase sun sensitivity. Topical steroids are not usually listed as a direct contraindication for combined use with coal tar. For combined use of any topical medications, official guidance emphasizes the importance of consulting with a healthcare professional.
Q: Is Tarmed safe for people with known liver or kidney problems?
A: Official regulatory documents report minimal systemic absorption. Due to minimal systemic absorption, no significant systemic drug interactions are typically documented. However, prolonged exposure to high concentrations of coal tar has been historically noted in industrial settings to potentially cause liver or kidney effects. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advised when systemic issues such as liver or kidney conditions exist.
Q: Is it possible to develop a delayed skin reaction after using Tarmed for a few weeks?
A: While the most common skin reactions, such as mild stinging and irritation, are transient and occur at the start of use, official safety documentation notes the possibility of delayed effects. These chronic effects can include changes in skin structure or pigmentation resulting from prolonged or repeated contact.
Q: Do any official drug labels for Tarmed mention restrictions on driving or operating machinery?
A: General systemic drug labels do not typically list restrictions for topical coal tar. However, safety data sheets related to high vapor concentrations note a possibility of central nervous system effects such as temporary drowsiness or dizziness.
Q: What is the official classification of Tarmed in terms of safety ratings (e.g., Category C)?
A: In the United States, topical coal tar products are typically classified as Pregnancy Category C. This regulatory classification indicates that animal studies have shown a risk, but human studies are not available, or neither human nor animal studies have been completed.
Q: What information is available regarding Tarmed's use in elderly patients?
A: Official information notes that clinical studies for coal tar have primarily focused on the general adult population. There is no specific information comparing the product’s use in the elderly to other age groups, but it is commonly used in older adult patients for chronic skin conditions.
Q: Why is Tarmed sometimes called 'Coal Tar Solution' in medical texts?
A: The term 'Coal Tar Solution,' often designated as Liquor Picis Carbonis, refers to a specific concentration and formulation of the product. This dosage form is usually prepared with alcohol and is a common type of liquid preparation used for external application.
Q: Is there a specific regulatory requirement for a patch test before using Tarmed?
A: Performing a patch test is not a mandatory regulatory requirement for all topical coal tar products. However, a common practice described in patient health guidance is to test a small patch of skin before widespread use to help assess individual sensitivity.
Q: What is the recommended method for cleaning off residual Tarmed product?
A: Official guidance on cleaning residual product mainly addresses fabrics. If the product causes staining or yellowing of clothing or fabrics, official guidance for fabric staining suggests washing the affected materials with regular laundry detergent.
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