provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content

selenium sulfide non-prescription

Generic
Used for Seborrheic Dermatitis
Used for Seborrheic Dermatitis

Selenium sulfide OTC is a 1% shampoo that's available over the counter. It's used to control flaking and itching from dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. This medication works by slowing down the shedding of skin cells. You use it by massaging the shampoo into wet hair, then rinsing it off. You might need to use selenium sulfide OTC at least twice a week to see results. This medication might cause mild side effects, like skin irritation, temporary hair discoloration, and a dry scalp.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
reviewer
Connie Zheng, PharmD
Last reviewed on November 14, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageAlternativesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Selenium sulfide OTC?

What is Selenium sulfide OTC used for?

How Selenium sulfide OTC works

Selenium sulfide OTC treats dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp by slowing down the shedding of skin cells.

Are you looking for information on prescription-strength selenium sulfide instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsSelsun Blue Maximum Strength, Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength
Drug ClassAntiseborrheic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Selenium sulfide OTC?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Discoloration of hair
  • Oily or dry hair and scalp

Other Side Effects

  • Skin irritation
  • More hair loss than usual

Source: DailyMed

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Selenium sulfide OTC

thumbs-up

Pros

Available OTC without a prescription

Less likely to cause side effects than prescription-strength selenium sulfide

thumbs-down

Cons

Can sometimes discolor hair

Can make the scalp become oily or dry

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Selenium sulfide OTC

pharmacist

  • Don't apply selenium sulfide OTC to broken skin or inflamed areas. Don't allow it to come into contact with your eyes, mouth, nose, or genitals. Applying selenium sulfide OTC to these areas can cause your skin to become very irritated.

    • Selenium sulfide OTC can cause discoloration of your hair. To lower the risk of this side effect, rinse your scalp and hair well after each treatment.

      • Selenium sulfide OTC can cause your hair and scalp to become dry or oily. If you experience these side effects, ask your dermatologist for recommendations on how to minimize the symptoms.

        • It's unknown if this product can harm an unborn baby. Therefore, it's not recommended to use selenium sulfide OTC during pregnancy. Speak with your prescriber if you find out you're pregnant while using this medication.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Selenium sulfide OTC

          Is selenium sulfide OTC an antifungal?
          Yes, selenium sulfide OTC is considered an antifungal medication. It helps control the growth of a certain fungus that causes skin irritation and flaking.
          Does selenium sulfide OTC cause hair loss?
          People who used prescription-strength selenium sulfide 2.25% or 2.3% shampoo did notice more hair loss after starting this medication. Because selenium sulfide OTC 1% contains a lower strength of the medication, it's less likely to cause this side effect. But more research is needed in this area. Speak with your HCP about your concerns for hair loss before using this product.
          Where can I buy selenium sulfide OTC shampoo?
          Selenium sulfide OTC 1% shampoo can be found at most drug stores. If you're struggling to locate it in the shampoo aisle, ask your pharmacist for assistance. Note that higher strength shampoos (selenium sulfide 2.25% or 2.3%) are available by prescription-only and aren't sold over-the-counter.
          Can I use selenium sulfide OTC shampoo everyday?
          Based on instructions from the manufacturer, you can use selenium sulfide OTC 1% shampoo at least twice a week. But ask your HCP if it's appropriate for you to use this medication everyday. Using this shampoo might raise the risk for skin irritation.
          What's the difference between prescription and non-prescription selenium sulfide shampoo?
          Prescription-strength selenium sulfide contains a higher concentration of the medication than non-prescription (over-the-counter) selenium sulfide. For example, prescription selenium sulfide comes as 2.5% lotion, as well as 2.25% and 2.3% shampoo. But selenium sulfide OTC comes as 1% shampoo. In addition, prescription-strength selenium sulfide can treat tinea versicolor, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis. But over-the-counter selenium sulfide only treats dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
          GoodRxEducationalIcon

          How to save using GoodRx

          Compare Prices
          1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
          Select your free coupon
          2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
          Show coupon to your pharmacist
          3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
          Get free couponLearn more
          warings-icon

          What are the risks and warnings for Selenium sulfide OTC?

          Selenium sulfide OTC can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

          risk-warning

          For external use only

          Only use selenium sulfide OTC on the skin or scalp. Don't let it come in contact with your eyes, mouth, nose, or genitals. You should also avoid applying it to broken skin or inflamed areas. Serious skin irritation can occur if applied to these areas. If an allergic reaction happens, you should stop using selenium sulfide OTC and contact your prescriber.

          risk-warning

          Pregnancy

          Selenium sulfide OTC hasn't been studied in pregnant females, and it isn't known whether it's safe for an unborn baby. Though this is generally a concern with prescription selenium sulfide, it's recommended you avoid using it during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or would like to become pregnant, speak with your healthcare team to discuss the safest option for you to treat your symptoms.

          dosage

          Selenium sulfide OTC dosage forms

          Typical dosing for Selenium sulfide OTC

          Shake the bottle well before using. Wet your hair, apply selenium sulfide OTC onto the scalp and massage gently into a full lather, then rinse off thoroughly. Use it at least twice a week or as instructed by your healthcare professional (HCP).

          alternatives

          What are alternatives to Selenium sulfide OTC?

          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Selenium sulfide OTC. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
          Selenium sulfide OTC
          Used for:
          View Prices
          Selenium sulfide
          Used for:
          $45.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

          Get savings updates for Selenium sulfide OTC

          Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Selenium sulfide OTC and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

          By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

          References

          Best studies we found

          Chattem, Inc. (2024). Selsun Blue Normal To Oily- selenium sulfide shampoo; Selsun Blue Moisturizing- selenium sulfide shampoo; Selsun Blue 2-In-1- selenium sulfide shampoo; Selsun Blue Medicated- selenium sulfide shampoo [package insert]. DailyMed.

          Meijer Distribution, Inc. (2024). Meijer medicated selenium sulfide dandruff anti-dandruff, anti-seborrheic dermatitis, anti-psoriasis- selenium sulfide shampoo [package insert]. DailyMed.

          Ranganathan, S., et al. (2010). Dandruff: The most commercially exploited skin disease. Indian Journal of Dermatology.

          GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
          Was this page helpful?

          Browse medications

          View All

          Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.