Polytar Scalp Shampoo should be used once or twice a week. Wet the hair and massage into the scalp and surrounding skin. Rinse thoroughly and repeat. This medicine contains 1g benzyl alcohol per 100g of shampoo. Benzyl alcohol may cause allergic reactions and mild local irritation. Use of this medicine during pregnancy should only be considered if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the foetus. Coal tar preparations have been used, for many years, when recommended by a doctor to treat children however, there is very little documented clinical data in this patient population. Polytar scalp shampoo with coal tar is effective in the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, dandruff and other dry skin conditions that may affect the scalp.

Use of coal tar preparations during lactation should only be considered if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the infant. Alopecia, dermatitis, hair colour changes, abnormal hair texture, photosensitivity reaction, skin irritation (including dry skin, erythema, and skin burning sensation). It is not known whether the topical application of coal tar preparations could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable amounts in breast milk.

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This medicine may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, sunlamps should not be used and deliberate or prolonged exposure of the scalp to sunlight should be avoided or minimised. Topical coal tar overdose may increase the rate of skin irritation and photosensitivity. (s ee section 4.8). This medicine is for topical application to the scalp. The hair should be rinsed and a sufficient amount of shampoo applied to produce an abundant lather. No long term studies have been conducted with the product formulations. Coal tar contains certain chemicals that are mutagenic to microorganisms and mammalian cells in vitro. Topical and oral administration of high doses of coal tar to laboratory animals induces DNA adduct formation.

Many of the hydrocarbons will be subject to extensive metabolic transformation by both oxidation and conjugation. Drug-metabolizing enzymes (both in the skin and systemically) may be induced by coal tar application. Tar preparations have been used extensively for over 50 years in the management of various skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and other dermatoses. The precise mechanism of action is uncertain. Coal tars are known to suppress DNA synthesis in hyperplasic skin, inhibiting mitotic activity and protein synthesis. They decrease epidermal proliferation and dermal infiltration and thus promote a return to normal keratinisation. Coal tar has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antipruritic, keratolytic, keratoplastic and vasoconstrictive effects. Avoid using the product if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients. Tar products may cause skin irritation, rashes, and rarely, photosensitivity. If you experience irritation or any other unwanted effects ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

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Seek advice before using if you are breast feeding, pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or suffer from allergies. This is a medicine; Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have an underlying medical condition, are taking any other medication or complementary therapy, or if symptoms persist.