Selenium sulfide (Topical)

Selenium sulfide 1% and 2.5% strengths are applied to the scalp to help manage the symptoms of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

Selenium sulfide 2.5% strength is also used on the body to treat tinea versicolor (a type of fungal skin infection).

In the United States, you can get the 2.5% strength only with a prescription from your doctor.

If your condition does not improve with regular use of this medicine, or if it worsens, contact your doctor.

In deciding to use a medicine, you need to consider the risks against the benefits. This is a decision you and your doctor will make together. For this medicine, keep the following in mind:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know if you have other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

There is no specific information comparing the use of selenium sulfide in infants and children with its use in other age groups; however, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or issues in children compared to adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older adults. Therefore, it may not be known if they work the same way as they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing the use of selenium sulfide in elderly patients with its use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or issues in older people compared to younger adults.

Interactions with Medicines

While some medicines should not be used together, in other situations, two different medicines can be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these cases, your doctor may want to adjust the dose, or other precautions may be needed. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used when eating food or certain types of food, as interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine along with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may affect how you use this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Blistered, raw, or oozing areas on your scalp or body—Using this medicine on these areas may increase the chance of absorption through the skin.

Along with its intended effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common or rare

• Skin irritation

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you ways to prevent or lessen some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Unusual dryness or oiliness of hair or scalp

Less common

• Increase in normal hair loss

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Dandrex
• Selenos
• SelRx
• Selseb
• Selsun Blue Medicated Treatment
• Tersi Foam

In Canada

• Versel

Available Dosage Forms:

• Shampoo
• Lotion
• Foam

Therapeutic Class: Antiseborrheic

If you are using the 2.5% strength of selenium sulfide: Use this medicine only as directed. Do not use it more often than recommended on the label, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

If you are using the 1% strength of selenium sulfide: For best results, use this medicine at least 2 times a week or as directed by your doctor.

To use selenium sulfide for dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp:

• Before using this medicine, wet the hair and scalp with lukewarm water.
• Apply enough medicine (1 or 2 teaspoonfuls) to the scalp to work up a lather. Allow the lather to remain on the scalp for 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse.
• Apply the medicine again and rinse well.
• If this medicine is used on light or blond, gray, or chemically treated (bleached, tinted, permanent-waved) hair, rinse your hair well for at least 5 minutes after using the medicine to lessen the chance of hair discoloration.
• After treatment, wash your hands well.

To use selenium sulfide for tinea versicolor of the body:

• Apply the medicine to the affected areas of your body, except for your face and genitals (sex organs).
• Work up a lather using a small amount of water.
• Allow the medicine to remain on your skin for 10 minutes.
• Rinse your body well to remove all the medicine.

Do not use this medicine if blistered, raw, or oozing areas are present on your scalp or the area of your body that is to be treated, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Keep this medicine away from the eyes. If you should accidentally get some in your eyes, flush them thoroughly with water.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For lotion dosage form: For dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis: Adults and children—If you are using the 1% lotion, use on the scalp two times a week. If you are using the 2.5% lotion, use on the scalp two times a week for two weeks, then use one time a week or less often. Infants—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. For tinea versicolor: Adults and children—Use the 2.5% lotion on the body one time a day for seven days. Infants—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.