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selenium sulfide
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.
What is Selenium sulfide?
What is Selenium sulfide used for?
- Dandruff
- Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp (condition that causes dry, scaly, red, and itchy skin)
- Tinea versicolor (fungal skin infection that causes discolored patches or spots on the body)
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.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | SelRx |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Antiseborrheic |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription or over-the-counter |
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
The following Selenium sulfide 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.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$25.56
GoodRx discount
$10.13
Pros and cons of Selenium sulfide
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
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 for Selenium sulfide
- Take off your jewelry before using selenium sulfide. This medication might damage jewelry.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
Selenium sulfide dosage
The average cost for 1 bottle of 180ml of 2.25% of Selenium sulfide is $46.31 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 70.81% off the average retail price of $158.65. 
Bottle of lotion
Bottle of lotion| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 118ml of 2.5% | 1 bottle | $10.13 | $10.13 |
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.
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)
$10.13
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.
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