Selenium Sulfide Topical

Selenium Sulfide Topical is a prescription and over-the-counter medication used to treat Tinea Versicolor, Dandruff, and Seborrhea.

• Selenium Sulfide Topical is available under the following different brand names: Head & Shoulders Intensive Treatment, Selsun Blue Medicated Treatment, SelRx, Selsun Rx, TersiFoam

Common side effects of Selenium Sulfide Topical include:

• Skin irritation,
• Dry skin,
• Oily or dry hair or scalp, and
• Temporary hair loss

Serious side effects of Selenium Sulfide Topical include:

• Hives,
• Difficulty breathing,
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat,
• Rash,
• Itching,
• Severe dizziness, and
• Trouble breathing

Rare side effects of Selenium Sulfide Topical include:

• None 

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out. 

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult dosage

Water & lipid-based foam

• 2.25 % (TersiFoam)

Lotion

• 2.5 %

Shampoo

• 1 %
• 2.3 % (SelRx)

Tinea Versicolor

Adult dosage

• Apply 2.5-2.5% lotion/shampoo to the affected area and lather with small amounts of water; leave on skin for 10 min and rinse thoroughly; apply once a day for 7 days.
• TersiFoam: Rub foam into affected skin every 12 hours.

Dandruff, Seborrhea

Adult dosage

• Wet skin/scalp and apply 5-10 mL of shampoo to areas to be cleansed; apply 2 times/week for 2 weeks initially and then once every 1-2 weeks to control symptoms.
• Allow to remain on skin/scalp for 2-3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
• Repeat application if the scalp is affected and rinse again.

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Selenium Sulfide Topical has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Selenium Sulfide Topical has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Selenium Sulfide Topical has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Selenium Sulfide Topical has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your healthcare professional or doctor for additional medical advice, health questions, or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to selenium sulfide

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Selenium Sulfide Topical?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Selenium Sulfide Topical?”

Cautions

• Avoid contact with all mucous membranes, including eyes, lips, and broken/inflamed skin.
• Do not use where inflammation or exudation is present, as increased absorption may occur.
• Avoid getting shampoo in contact with the genital area as it may cause irritation and burning.
• Risk of systemic toxicity
  • Discontinue if redness or irritation occurs.
  • When applied to the body for treatment of tinea versicolor, selenium Sulfide Topical suspension USP, 2.5% (lotion) may produce skin irritation, especially in the genital area and where skin folds occur; these areas should be thoroughly rinsed after application.
  • If allergic reactions occur, discontinue use.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use with caution if the benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy.
• Lactation
  • Not known if distributed in human milk; use caution.