Selenium Sulfide

Selenium Sulfide is used in the treatment of:

• Dermatitis, Seborrheic
• Scalp Dermatoses
• Tinea Versicolor

Selenium Sulfide is used in the prevention of:

• Deficiency Diseases

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Selenium Sulfide may be found in some form under the following brand names:

• Dandrex

• Dandruff Control

• Equaline

• Exsel

• Glo-Sel

• Head & Shoulders Intensive Treatment

• LeThechniq

• Medicated Blue

• Sel-Pen Blue

• Selenos

• SelRx

• Selseb

• Selsun Blue

• Tersi Foam

Administration

Topical Administration

Apply lotion or shampoo topically to the skin; apply shampoo or lotion (as a shampoo) topically to the hair and scalp.a b c

For external use only.a b c Avoid contact with eyes; do not apply to broken skin or to infected or inflamed areas.a b c (See Systemic Toxicity under Cautions.)

Shake lotion well before use.a

Lotion may damage jewelry; remove all jewelry before using.a b

For treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp: Massage into wet scalp.a Wait 2–3 minutes, then thoroughly rinse scalp.a b Repeat application and rinse procedures.a b Wash hands thoroughly following use.a

If used before or after bleaching, tinting, or permanent waving of the hair, rinse hair with cool water for at least 5 minutes after applying lotion or shampoo.b

For treatment of tinea versicolor: Apply sufficient quantity topically to the affected skin; apply a small amount of water concurrently to form a lather.a b c Allow to remain on the skin for 10 minutes following application, then rinse skin thoroughly.a b c

Dosage

Pediatric Patients

Children ≥2 years of age: Initially, apply 5–10 mL of 2.5% lotion (as a shampoo) twice weekly for 2 weeks.a b c For maintenance, apply once every 1–4 weeks.a b c

Children ≥2 years of age (as self-medication): Apply a small amount of 1% lotion as a shampoo once or twice weekly.b For maximum control, use every time patient usually shampoos hair and scalp.b

Children ≥2 years of age: Apply 2.5% lotion to affected areas once daily for 7 days.a b c

Adults

Initially, apply 2.25% shampoo or 5–10 mL of 2.5% lotion (as a shampoo) twice weekly for 2 weeks.a b c For maintenance, apply once every 1–4 weeks.a b c

For self-medication, apply a small amount of 1% lotion as a shampoo once or twice weekly.b For maximum control, use every time patient usually shampoos hair and scalp.b

Apply 2.25% shampoo or 2.5% lotion to affected areas once daily for 7 days.a b c

Special Populations

No special population dosage recommendations at this time.a b c

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name

(se LEE nee um SUL fide)

• Antiseborrheic Agent, Topical
• Topical Skin Product

Dandruff, scalp seborrhea: Treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.

Tinea versicolor (excluding shampoo): Treatment of tinea versicolor.

There are no known significant interactions.

• Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)

• Patient may experience scalp irritation, hair discoloration, or hair thinning or loss. Have patient report immediately to prescriber severe skin irritation (HCAHPS).

• Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.

Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for health care professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience, and judgment in diagnosing, treating, and advising patients.