Selenium Sulfide

Brand Names: Selenium Sulfide

Drug Class: General Prescription

Overview

DESCRIPTION A liquid antiseborrheic, antifungal preparation for topical application. Selenium sulfide has the molecular formula SeS 2 and has a molecular weight of 143.09.

Mechanism of Action

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Selenium sulfide appears to have a cytostatic effect on cells of the epidermis and follicular epithelium, thus reducing corneocyte production.

Indications

  • INDICATIONS AND USAGE For the treatment of tinea versicolor, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, and dandruff.

Common Doses

  • Refer to label

Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION See application instructions on rear panel of this bottle. For treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis: For the usual case, two applications each week for two weeks will afford control. After this, the suspension may be used at less frequent intervals - weekly, every two weeks, or even every 3 or 4 weeks in some cases. The preparation should not be applied more frequently than required to maintain control. For treatment of tinea versicolor: Apply to affected areas and lather with a small amount of water.

Contraindications

  • CONTRAINDICATIONS This product should not be used by patients allergic to any of its components.

Side Effects

  • ADVERSE REACTIONS In decreasing order of severity: skin irritation, occasional reports of increase in amount of normal hair loss, discoloration of hair (can be avoided or minimized by thorough rinsing of hair after treatment). As with other shampoos, oiliness or dryness of hair and scalp may occur.

Interactions

  • No major interactions listed on the FDA label. Always consult a healthcare professional.