Dandruff, scalp seborrhea: Topical:
Lotion 2.5%, shampoo (2.25%, 2.3%): Massage ~5 to 10 mL into wet scalp; leave on scalp for 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse scalp thoroughly. Repeat application and rinse thoroughly. Usually 2 applications each week for 2 weeks will provide control. After this, may repeat at less frequent intervals (eg, once weekly, every 2 to 4 weeks).
Shampoo (OTC 1%): Massage shampoo into wet scalp then rinse thoroughly. Use at least twice weekly for best results.
Tinea versicolor: Topical:
Lotion 2.5%, shampoo (2.25%, 2.3%): Apply to affected area(s) and lather with small amounts of water; leave on skin for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat once daily for 7 days (Sánchez 1984; manufacturer’s labeling).
There are no dosage adjustments in the manufacturer's labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments in the manufacturer's labeling.
(For additional information see "Selenium sulfide: Pediatric drug information")
Note: Tersi foam has been discontinued in the US for more than 1 year.
Dandruff, scalp seborrhea: Topical:
Lotion: Children and Adolescents: Massage 5 to 10 mL into wet scalp, leave on scalp 2 to 3 minutes, and rinse thoroughly. Repeat application and rinse thoroughly. Usually 2 applications each week for 2 weeks will provide control; after this, may repeat at less frequent intervals (eg, once weekly, every 2 to 4 weeks)
Shampoo: Limited data available: Children and Adolescents: Massage shampoo into wet scalp then rinse thoroughly. Use at least twice weekly for best results (Kliegman 2016; Schachner 2011)
Tinea versicolor: Topical:
Lotion: Children and Adolescents: Apply to the affected area and lather with a small amount of water; leave on skin for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly; apply once daily for 7 days. Some experts suggest weekly or monthly application may be used to prevent recurrence (Red Book [AAP 2015])
Shampoo: Limited data available: Children and Adolescents: Apply to the affected area and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse off. Apply once daily for 3 to 7 days; once controlled weekly or monthly application may prevent recurrence (Red Book [AAP 2015])
Tinea capitis, adjunct treatment: Limited data available: Children and Adolescents: Lotion, Shampoo: Topical: Apply and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes and then rinse; apply two or three times weekly; used with concomitant systemic therapy; continue for at least 2 weeks until clinical/mycologic cure (Givens 1995; Red Book [AAP 2015])
Refer to adult dosing.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Lotion, External:
Generic: 2.5% (118 mL, 120 mL)
Shampoo, External:
Anti-Dandruff: 1% (207 mL) [contains fd&c blue #1 (brilliant blue), menthol]
SelRx: 2.3% (180 mL [DSC]) [contains fd&c red #40 (allura red ac dye), methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben]
Generic: 2.25% (180 mL); 2.3% (180 mL)
Yes
Topical: Shake well before using. For external use only; not for ophthalmic, oral, anal or intravaginal use. Do not use when acute inflammation or exudation is present or on damaged skin or mucous membranes. For color treated or permed hair, it is especially important to rinse hair thoroughly after treatment. May damage jewelry; remove before treatment.
Topical: Shake all products well prior to use. For external use only; not for ophthalmic, oral, anal, or intravaginal use. Do not use on acutely inflamed or broken skin or on mucous membranes. For color treated or permed hair, it is especially important to rinse hair thoroughly after treatment. May damage jewelry; remove before treatment.
Hazardous agent; use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (EPA, U-listed).
Dandruff, scalp seborrhea: Treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp
Tinea versicolor: Treatment of tinea versicolor
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified. Frequency not defined.
Central nervous system: Lethargy
Dermatologic: Alopecia or hair discoloration, unusual dryness or oiliness of scalp
Gastrointestinal: Vomiting following long-term use on damaged skin, abdominal pain, garlic breath
Local: Burning, itching, irritation, stinging (transient)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Tremor
Miscellaneous: Diaphoresis
Hypersensitivity to selenium sulfide or any component of the formulation.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Local effects: Skin irritation or sensitization may occur; discontinue use if irritation or sensitivity occurs.
Other warnings/precautions:
• Appropriate use: For external use only; not for ophthalmic, oral, anal or intravaginal use. Due to the risk of systemic toxicity, do not use when acute inflammation or exudation is present or on damaged skin or mucous membranes.
• Self-medication (OTC use): Shampoo: When used for self-medication, contact a health care provider before use if the seborrheic dermatitis is in other areas other than the scalp. Discontinue use and contact a healthcare provider if condition worsens or does not improve after regular use.
None known.
There are no known significant interactions.
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. The manufacturer's labeling for some products recommend against using selenium sulfide in pregnant women.
It is not known if selenium sulfide is present in breast milk following topical application. The manufacturer recommends that caution be exercised when administering selenium sulfide to breastfeeding women.
May block the enzymes involved in growth of epithelial tissue
Absorption: Topical: None through intact skin, but can be absorbed through damaged skin
Lotion (Selenium Sulfide External)
2.5% (per mL): $0.17
Shampoo (Selenium Sulfide External)
2.25% (per mL): $0.88 - $0.91
2.3% (per mL): $3.07 - $3.11
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