Cosalic-K Solution: Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Severe swelling, blistering, or oozing at the application site
- Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Widespread rash or hives
- Signs of liver problems such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness after applying the medicine to large areas of broken skin
- No improvement or worsening of symptoms after 4 weeks of regular use
- Severe sunburn-like reaction after sun exposure
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is cosalic-k solution used for?
This medicine is a topical solution containing ketoconazole 2% w/v and coal tar 2% w/v. It is used to treat scalp conditions such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and scalp psoriasis by reducing fungal growth and scaling. Apply it to the affected area as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice weekly.
- Generic Name: Ketoconazole + Coal Tar
- Manufacturer: Salve Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 cosalic-k solution के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा मुख्य रूप से सिर की त्वचा की समस्याओं जैसे डैंड्रफ, सेबोरहाइक डर्मेटाइटिस और स्कैल्प सोरायसिस के इलाज के लिए इस्तेमाल की जाती है। इसमें केटोकोनाज़ोल और कोल टार दो सक्रिय तत्व होते हैं जो फंगस को खत्म करने और पपड़ी को हटाने में मदद करते हैं। यह खुजली और जलन को कम करती है और त्वचा को साफ और स्वस्थ बनाती है। इसका इस्तेमाल डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही करें।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के आम दुष्प्रभावों में लगाने की जगह पर हल्की जलन, खुजली, लालिमा या सूखापन शामिल है। कुछ लोगों के बालों का रंग अस्थायी रूप से बदल सकता है, खासकर सुनहरे या रंगे हुए बालों में। धूप के प्रति संवेदनशीलता बढ़ सकती है, इसलिए धूप से बचें। गंभीर एलर्जी जैसे चेहरे या गले में सूजन, सांस लेने में कठिनाई हो तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: यह दवा केवल बाहरी इस्तेमाल के लिए है, इसे निगलना नहीं चाहिए। आंखों, होंठों और म्यूकस मेम्ब्रेन से दूर रखें। पहली बार इस्तेमाल से पहले पैच टेस्ट करें। कोल टार ज्वलनशील होता है, इसलिए आग, चिंगारी और गर्मी से दूर रखें। धूप में जाने से बचें और सनस्क्रीन का इस्तेमाल करें। बच्चों, गर्भवती और स्तनपान कराने वाली महिलाओं को डॉक्टर की सलाह के बिना इसका इस्तेमाल नहीं करना चाहिए।
💊 cosalic-k solution Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp","description":"This medicine helps control flaking, scaling, and itching associated with seborrheic dermatitis by reducing Malassezia yeast and softening scales.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Dandruff","description":"The combination of ketoconazole and coal tar reduces scalp flaking and itching in mild to moderate dandruff.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Scalp psoriasis","description":"Coal tar helps slow skin cell turnover and reduce scaling, while ketoconazole addresses secondary fungal involvement in scalp psoriasis.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Tinea versicolor (when involving scalp or hair-bearing areas)","description":"Ketoconazole is effective against Malassezia furfur, the fungus responsible for tinea versicolor, and coal tar may help with associated scaling.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Seborrheic blepharitis","description":"Sometimes diluted formulations are used off-label for eyelid margin seborrhea, but this must only be done under strict ophthalmological supervision.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Atopic dermatitis with secondary fungal colonization","description":"May be used off-label when fungal overgrowth complicates atopic dermatitis, but coal tar can be irritating in acute flares.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Seborrheic dermatitis
Also treats: Dandruff, Scalp psoriasis, Tinea versicolor
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Ketoconazole + Coal Tar |
| Brand Name | Biokera Plus Scalp Lotion |
| Manufacturer | Salve Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | DERMA |
| Action Class | Antifungal + Keratolytic |
| Route of Administration | Topical (external application to the scalp or affected skin areas) |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C. Keep the container tightly closed and protect it from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate unless specifically instructed. Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames because coal tar is flammable. Store out of reach of children and pets. |
| Shelf Life | Refer to the expiry date printed on the packaging. Do not use after the expiry date. Once opened, use within the period recommended by the manufacturer, typically within 3 to 6 months unless otherwise stated. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. Ketoconazole and coal tar are recognized treatments for seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis in dermatological practice, but specific WHO recommendations for this combination product are not available. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. ICMR guidelines may recommend ketoconazole or coal tar individually for fungal skin conditions and psoriasis, but no specific guideline for this combination is available. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine combines two active ingredients with complementary mechanisms. Ketoconazole, an imidazole antifungal, inhibits the fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase, which blocks the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol, a vital component of the fungal cell membrane. This disruption increases membrane permeability and leads to leakage of cellular contents, ultimately killing or inhibiting susceptible fungi such as Malassezia species. Coal tar is a complex mixture of phenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and other compounds that exerts keratolytic, antipruritic, and anti-inflammatory effects. It reduces the rapid proliferation of epidermal cells, helping to dissolve thick scales and normalize skin turnover. Coal tar also has mild antiseptic and astringent properties that soothe irritated skin. Together, these actions address both the fungal and the inflammatory scaling components of conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take cosalic-k solution
Strength: Topical solution containing ketoconazole 2% w/v and coal tar 2% w/v.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is to apply a sufficient amount to the affected scalp or skin area as directed by your doctor, typically once or twice weekly for conditions like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. For scalp psoriasis, your doctor may recommend more frequent use initially, followed by a maintenance schedule. The exact frequency and duration depend on the condition being treated, its severity, and your response to therapy. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Do not exceed the recommended frequency or duration without medical advice. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. This medicine is generally not recommended for children under 12 years of age unless specifically prescribed by a doctor. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients can generally use this medicine at the same dosage as adults. However, older adults may have more sensitive skin and a higher risk of irritation, so a doctor may recommend a lower frequency or a patch test before regular use. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Renal Impairment | No dose adjustment is typically required for patients with kidney impairment because systemic absorption of this topical medicine is minimal. However, consult your doctor for personalized advice. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No dose adjustment is typically required for patients with liver impairment because systemic absorption is minimal. However, if this medicine is used on large areas of broken skin for a prolonged period, liver function should be monitored, and a doctor should be consulted. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose is not established from the available information. Use only as directed by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended frequency of application. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of cosalic-k solution
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Other coal tar products | Major | |
| Oral ketoconazole | Major | |
| Topical corticosteroids | Moderate | |
| Topical retinoids | Moderate | |
| Moisturizers | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Other topical products containing coal tar or strong irritants
- Oral ketoconazole or other azole antifungals
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Topical corticosteroids
- Retinoids (topical)
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol is not known to interact directly with this topical medicine. However, alcohol consumption may worsen certain skin conditions such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, so moderation is advised. No specific interaction is established from the available information.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity or allergy to ketoconazole, coal tar, or any other ingredient in this medicine","Application to open wounds, cuts, or severely broken skin","Use in children under 12 years of age without medical advice","Application to the eyes, lips, mucous membranes, or genital area","Use in individuals with known photosensitivity disorders without medical supervision"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["For external use only. Do not swallow.","Avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.","Coal tar is flammable. Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames.","May increase sensitivity to sunlight. Use protective clothing and sunscreen on treated areas.","Do not apply to large areas of broken skin or under occlusive dressings unless directed by a doctor.","Consult a doctor before use if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.","Keep out of reach of children.","Stop use and consult a doctor if severe irritation or allergic reaction occurs."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether ketoconazole or coal tar components are excreted in human breast milk after topical application. To minimize infant exposure, avoid applying this medicine to the breast area, and consult your doctor before use while breastfeeding.
💊 Overdose Management
This medicine is for topical use, and accidental ingestion can be harmful. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with water and seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center. If excessive amounts are applied to the skin, wash the area gently with soap and water and monitor for signs of irritation or systemic effects such as nausea or dizziness. There is no specific antidote for overdose; treatment is supportive and symptomatic.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Additional Safety Advice
This medicine is for external use only and must never be swallowed or applied inside the mouth, nose, eyes, or vagina. Before the first use, perform a patch test on a small area of healthy skin to check for allergic sensitivity, and wait 24 to 48 hours before applying it more widely. Avoid contact with the eyes, and if accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with plenty of cool water. Do not apply this medicine to open wounds, cuts, or areas of infected skin unless your doctor has specifically instructed you to do so. Because coal tar can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, use protective clothing or sunscreen on treated areas when outdoors, and avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. Keep this medicine away from heat, sparks, and open flames, as coal tar is flammable. Do not use this medicine on children under 12 years of age without a doctor's advice. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using this product. Do not cover the treated area with tight dressings or bandages unless told to do so by your doctor. Stop using the medicine and seek medical help if you develop severe irritation, blistering, or signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing. Store this medicine in its original container, tightly closed, at room temperature, and out of reach of children.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients may have more sensitive skin and a higher risk of irritation from coal tar. A patch test is recommended before regular use. The dosage is generally the same as for adults, but a doctor may advise less frequent application if irritation occurs. Regular follow-up is advised to monitor skin tolerance.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before using this medicine. Topical ketoconazole and coal tar are generally considered low risk, but it is best to avoid unnecessary medicines during pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend alternative treatments or adjust the frequency of use based on your condition.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
If you have recently had surgery, especially on the scalp or skin, consult your doctor before using this medicine. Do not apply it to surgical wounds or areas of broken skin unless specifically instructed. Your doctor will advise you on when it is safe to resume topical treatments.
🦷 Dental Procedures
This medicine is applied to the scalp or skin and does not directly affect dental procedures. However, if you are scheduled for dental work, inform your dentist about all medicines you are using, including this one, as part of your medical history.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
There are no specific exercise restrictions while using this medicine. However, if you apply it to your scalp, avoid activities that cause excessive sweating immediately after application, as sweat may dilute the medicine or cause irritation. If you swim, rinse your scalp thoroughly after swimming to remove chlorine and salt water, which can irritate treated skin.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine is applied topically and is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience any dizziness or unusual symptoms after application, avoid driving until you feel well. The medicine may leave a temporary residue or odor on the scalp, so you may prefer to apply it in the evening or on days when you do not have important social or work commitments. It does not typically interfere with your daily work activities.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Stop using this medicine and consult your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of regular use, if they worsen, or if you develop severe irritation, allergic reactions, or any other concerning symptoms. Do not stop or change your treatment schedule without speaking to your doctor, as abrupt discontinuation may lead to a flare-up of your condition.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine is generally well tolerated when used as directed. However, prolonged use on large areas of skin may increase the risk of local irritation, photosensitivity, and rarely, systemic absorption. Coal tar may cause temporary hair discoloration with continued use. Regular follow-up with your doctor is recommended to assess the ongoing need for treatment and to monitor for any adverse effects. Do not use this medicine continuously for extended periods without medical supervision.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
These can help control dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis and may be used alternately with this medicine.
Evidence: Well-establishedControlled exposure to ultraviolet light can help slow skin cell turnover in psoriasis.
Evidence: Well-establishedMay be used short-term to reduce inflammation in seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis flares.
Evidence: Well-establishedHelp soften and remove thick scales, often used in combination with other treatments.
Evidence: Moderate💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There are no known interactions between this topical medicine and vaccines. You can receive vaccinations as scheduled while using this medicine. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your doctor.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✅ DO
Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames
❌ DON'T
Do not leave near stoves or heaters
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with the prescription label intact. Bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor, especially for international travel, as some countries may have restrictions on certain ingredients. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Since coal tar is flammable, keep it away from open flames and do not leave it in a hot car. If you are crossing time zones, continue with your regular application schedule as closely as possible. Check customs regulations for topical medicines before you travel.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: You may notice some improvement in itching and flaking within a few days, but it usually takes 1 to 2 weeks of regular use to see a significant reduction in scaling and inflammation.
A: The frequency depends on your condition and your doctor's advice. It is typically used once or twice weekly. Do not use it more often than prescribed, as this can increase irritation.
A: This medicine is not known to cause hair loss. However, if you notice unusual hair shedding, consult your doctor.
A: No, this medicine should not be applied to the face unless specifically instructed by your doctor, as it can cause irritation.
A: Topical ketoconazole and coal tar are generally considered low risk, but you should consult your doctor before using this medicine during pregnancy.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for cosalic-k solution
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
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ketnix ct lotionBiochemix Health Care Pvt. Ltd. ₹121.88 63.3% CHEAPER
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sebotar topical solutionNidus Pharma Pvt Ltd ₹155.00 53.3% CHEAPER
-
ketobase ct shampooAplonis Healthcare ₹166.40 49.9% CHEAPER
-
kzop ct shampooOziel Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd ₹168.75 49.2% CHEAPER
-
ketolla-c solutionSkylla Pharmaceuticals ₹178.13 46.3% CHEAPER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can cure dandruff permanently.
Fact: This medicine controls symptoms but does not permanently cure dandruff. Long-term maintenance may be needed. - Myth: More frequent application will work faster.
Fact: Using more than directed can increase irritation and does not speed up results. Follow your doctor's instructions. - Myth: This medicine is safe to use on the face.
Fact: It should not be applied to the face unless specifically prescribed by a doctor, as it can cause irritation. - Myth: Coal tar causes cancer.
Fact: Coal tar in topical medicinal products has not been shown to cause cancer in humans when used as directed. However, avoid excessive sun exposure.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Ketoconazole 2% w/v and coal tar 2% w/v topical solution (generic versions)
Brand Alternatives
- Cosalic-K Solution