Selenium Sulfide
Class: Local Anti-infectives, Miscellaneous
ATC Class: D01AE13
VA Class: DE400
CAS Number: 7488-56-4
Brands: Selseb, Selsun Blue
Introduction
Anti-infective; cytostatic and antiseborrheic.
Uses for Selenium Sulfide
Dandruff or Seborrheic Dermatitis
Treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.
Relieve symptoms (itching and flaking of the scalp) associated with dandruff.
Dandruff usually responds to treatment, but tends to relapse if therapy is discontinued. Untreated dandruff is a cosmetic problem; generally no medical disability results.
Pityriasis (Tinea) Versicolor
Treatment of pityriasis (tinea) versicolor caused by Malassezia furfur (Pityrosporum ovale).
Topical antifungals usually effective; an oral antifungal (with or without a topical antifungal) may be necessary in patients who have extensive or severe infections or those who have failed to respond to or have frequent relapses with topical therapy.
Selenium Sulfide Dosage and Administration
Administration
Topical Administration
Apply lotion or shampoo topically to the skin; apply shampoo or lotion (as a shampoo) topically to the hair and scalp.
For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes; do not apply to broken skin or to infected or inflamed areas. (See Systemic Toxicity under Cautions.)
Shake lotion well before use.
Lotion may damage jewelry; remove all jewelry before using.
For treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp: Massage into wet scalp. Wait 2–3 minutes, then thoroughly rinse scalp. Repeat application and rinse procedures. Wash hands thoroughly following use.
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.
For treatment of tinea versicolor: Apply sufficient quantity topically to the affected skin; apply a small amount of water concurrently to form a lather. Allow to remain on the skin for 10 minutes following application, then rinse skin thoroughly.
Dosage
Pediatric Patients
Dandruff or Seborrheic Dermatitis
Topical
Children ≥2 years of age: Initially, apply 5–10 mL of 2.5% lotion (as a shampoo) twice weekly for 2 weeks. For maintenance, apply once every 1–4 weeks.
Children ≥2 years of age (as self-medication): Apply a small amount of 1% lotion as a shampoo once or twice weekly. For maximum control, use every time patient usually shampoos hair and scalp.
Pityriasis (Tinea) Versicolor
Topical
Children ≥2 years of age: Apply 2.5% lotion to affected areas once daily for 7 days.
Adults
Dandruff or Seborrheic Dermatitis
Topical
Initially, apply 2.25% shampoo or 5–10 mL of 2.5% lotion (as a shampoo) twice weekly for 2 weeks. For maintenance, apply once every 1–4 weeks.
For self-medication, apply a small amount of 1% lotion as a shampoo once or twice weekly. For maximum control, use every time...
