Coal Tar, Salicylic Acid, and Sulfur

Generic name: Coal Tar, Salicylic Acid, and Sulfur [ kole-tar, SAL-i-SIL-ik-AS-id, & SUL-fur ]
Brand name: Ala-Seb-T
Drug class: Miscellaneous topical agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 23, 2024.

Uses of Coal Tar, Salicylic Acid, and Sulfur:

• It is used to treat dandruff.
• It is used to control seborrheic dermatitis.
• It is used to treat scalp psoriasis.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Coal Tar, Salicylic Acid, and Sulfur?

• If you have an allergy to coal tar, salicylic acid, or any other part of coal tar, salicylic acid, and sulfur.
• If you are allergic to coal tar, salicylic acid, and sulfur; any part of coal tar, salicylic acid, and sulfur; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have psoriasis and are using other treatments like other drugs or radiation.
• If a large area needs to be treated.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with coal tar, salicylic acid, and sulfur.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take coal tar, salicylic acid, and sulfur with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Coal Tar, Salicylic Acid, and Sulfur?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take coal tar, salicylic acid, and sulfur. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Certain acne products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can rarely cause very bad and sometimes life-threatening allergic reactions or very bad irritation. Before first use, you may need to follow certain steps to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction. Use coal tar, salicylic acid, and sulfur as you were told by the doctor or read the package label. Talk with the doctor.
• Do not use longer than you have been told by the doctor.
• Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
• You may get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If coal tar, salicylic acid, and sulfur is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• This medicine may stain fingernails, hair, and skin.
• Protect clothing and fabrics from staining.
• Do not give to children and teenagers who have or are getting better from flu signs, chickenpox, or other viral infections due to the chance of Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome causes very bad problems to the brain and liver.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using coal tar, salicylic acid, and sulfur while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Coal Tar, Salicylic Acid, and Sulfur) best taken?

Use coal tar, salicylic acid, and sulfur as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Do not take coal tar, salicylic acid, and sulfur by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• If coal tar, salicylic acid, and sulfur gets in the eyes, rinse with cool water.
• Avoid putting on healthy skin.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Shake well before use.
• Wet hair and scalp.
• Lather well.
• Leave on for 5 minutes.
• Rinse and put on again, lather, and leave on for 5 minutes.
• Rinse and dry hair.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad skin irritation.

Related/similar drugs

methotrexate, Humira, cyclosporine, adalimumab, Stelara, Remicade

What are some other side effects of Coal Tar, Salicylic Acid, and Sulfur?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Skin irritation.
• Dry skin.
• Redness.
• Peeling.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Coal Tar, Salicylic Acid, and Sulfur?

• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about coal tar, salicylic acid, and sulfur, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer