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Selenium Sulfide Coupon - Selenium Sulfide 180ml of 2.25% bottle of shampoo

selenium sulfide

Generic SelRx
Used for Seborrheic Dermatitis, Tinea Versicolor
Used for Seborrheic Dermatitis, Tinea Versicolor

Prescription-strength selenium sulfide is a topical antiseborrheic. It's used to treat dandruff, tinea versicolor (a type of fungal infection), and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. It works by killing fungus that grows on the scalp and helping your body shed less dead skin cells. Prescription-strength selenium sulfide comes as shampoo (selenium sulfide 2.3% and 2.25%) lotion (selenium sulfide 2.5%). Side effects can include skin irritation, change of hair color, and greasy or dry hair and scalp.

Note: Selenium sulfide is also available over-the-counter as selenium sulfide 1% shampoo.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on November 15, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Selenium sulfide?

What is Selenium sulfide used for?

How Selenium sulfide works

Selenium sulfide works in two ways. It treats tinea versicolor by stops certain fungus from growing on and irritating the skin. In treats dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp by slowing down the shedding of skin cells.

Are you looking for information on over-the-counter selenium sulfide 1% shampoo instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsSelRx (brand name no longer available)
Drug ClassAntiseborrheic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription or over-the-counter
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Avg retail price
$162.92(save 93.78%)
GoodRx discount
$10.13
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What are the side effects of Selenium sulfide?

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

  • Skin irritation
  • More hair loss than usual
  • Discoloration of hair
  • Greasy or dry hair and scalp

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur 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. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or 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 may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Selenium sulfide

thumbs-up

Pros

Typically treats tinea versicolor with a week of treatment

Only needs to be used twice a week to manage dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis

Available as a lotion and shampoo

Applied to the skin

thumbs-down

Cons

Might discolor your hair

Can cause hair to appear greasy or dry

Might damage jewelry if this medication gets on it

Prescription-strength shampoo might not a good option for children

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Selenium sulfide

pharmacist

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

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

      • Selenium sulfide 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 during pregnancy. Speak with your prescriber if you find out you're pregnant while using this medication.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Selenium sulfide

          Is selenium sulfide an antifungal?
          Yes, selenium sulfide is considered an antifungal medication. It helps control the growth of a certain fungus that causes skin irritation and flaking.
          Does selenium sulfide cause hair loss?
          People have reported a greater-than-normal amount of hair loss after using selenium sulfide. If you are concerned about how much hair you're losing, let your prescriber know.
          Can I use selenium sulfide on my face?
          Ask your dermatologist if you can apply selenium sulfide on your face. They might instruct you to do so if you have tinea versicolor, a condition that can affect the face. Just be careful not to get any medication in your eyes or it could cause irritation and burning. Follow your prescriber's instructions on where you should apply this medication.
          Can I use selenium sulfide shampoo everyday?
          If you're using prescription-strength selenium sulfide 2.3% or 2.25% shampoo to treat tinea versicolor, your dermatologist will instruct you to use it daily for 7 days. But if you're prescribed the shampoo for dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, then your dermatologist will typically ask you to use it twice a week for the first 2 weeks, then less often after that once your symptoms are under control. Ask your healthcare team if you're not sure how often or how long you should use this medication.
          Is selenium sulfide bad for your hair?
          Selenium sulfide can affect your hair. For example, it might cause some hair loss, or cause your hair to feel oily or dry. It can also alter the color of your hair, but you can prevent this from happening by rinsing your hair thoroughly after treatment. Have a conversation with your prescriber about ways to care for your hair during treatment with selenium sulfide.
          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 over-the-counter selenium sulfide 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. Directions for use are fairly similar to help control symptoms, but speak with your prescriber to make sure.
          Can selenium sulfide cause a rash?
          A temporary rash might appear after applying selenium sulfide if you have sensitive skin or if you're allergic to an ingredient in the product. If the rash is severe or doesn't go away, let your prescriber know. You might need to switch to a different treatment.
          Can I leave selenium sulfide on overnight?
          No, rinse selenium sulfide off the skin or scalp after a few minutes. You shouldn't leave this product on your skin or scalp overnight because it can cause your skin to get irritated.
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          What are the risks and warnings for Selenium sulfide?

          Selenium sulfide 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 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 and contact your prescriber.

          risk-warning

          Avoid use while pregnant

          Selenium sulfide hasn't been studied in pregnant females, and it isn't known whether it's safe for an unborn baby. Therefore, it's recommended you avoid using it during pregnancy. If you're 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 dosage forms

          The average cost for 1 bottle of 180ml of 2.25% of Selenium sulfide is $45.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 72.38% off the average retail price of $162.92.
          bottle of lotion
          Bottle of lotion
          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
          118ml of 2.5%1 bottle$10.13$10.13
          bottle of shampoo
          Bottle of shampoo
          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
          180ml of 2.25%1 bottle$45.00$45.00
          180ml of 2.3%1 bottle$52.21$52.21

          Typical dosing for Selenium sulfide

          Selenium sulfide comes in both a shampoo and lotion. The 2.3% shampoo is only approved for adults, while the 2.25% shampoo can be used by people 12 years and older. The 2.5% lotion can be used by both adults and children.

          Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp

          • 2.25% and 2.3% shampoo: Shake the bottle well before using. Wet your hair, apply selenium sulfide onto the scalp and massage gently into a full lather, then rinse off thoroughly. Use twice a week for 2 weeks to control symptoms, then less frequently or as instructed by your prescriber to keep symptoms under control.

          • 2.5% lotion: Shake the bottle well before using. Wet your hair and massage 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls of selenium sulfide onto the scalp. Allow the medication to remain on the scalp for 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse the scalp thoroughly and repeat. Use twice a week for the first 2 weeks to control symptoms, then less frequently or as instructed by your prescriber to keep symptoms under control.

          Tinea versicolor (fungal skin infection)

          • 2.25% and 2.3% shampoo: Shake the bottle well before using. Wet the skin, apply selenium sulfide to the affected area(s) and massage gently into a full lather. Allow selenium sulfide to remain on the skin for 10 minutes, then rinse off thoroughly. Do this once daily for 7 days or as instructed by your prescriber.

          • 2.5% lotion: Shake the bottle well before using. Apply selenium sulfide to the affected area(s) and lather with a small amount of water. Allow selenium sulfide to remain on the skin for 10 minutes, then rinse off thoroughly. Do this once daily for 7 days or as instructed by your prescriber.

          interactions

          Interactions between Selenium sulfide and other drugs

          Selenium sulfide may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Selenium sulfide. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

          Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

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          How much does Selenium sulfide cost?

          To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
          Selenium sulfide (generic)
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          $10.13

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          alternatives

          What are alternatives to Selenium sulfide?

          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Selenium sulfide. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
          Selenium sulfide
          Used for:
          $10.13 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
          Ketoconazole (Nizoral A-D)
          Used for:

          • Tinea versicolor (prescription product)

          • Dandruff (over-the-counter product)

          $12.91 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
          Sulfacetamide (Klaron)
          Used for:

          • Treatment of acne in people ages 12 years and older

          $46.62 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
          images

          Selenium sulfide images

          This medicine is Colorless Bottle Of Shampoo.
          This medicine is Colorless Bottle Of Shampoo.

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          References

          Best studies we found

          Laser Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2022). Selenium sulfide shampoo [package insert]. DailyMed.

          Laser Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2022). 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.

          View All References (3)

          Method Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2024). Selenium sulfide- selenium sulfide shampoo [package insert]. DailyMed.

          Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (2021). Selenium sulfide lotion [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.
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