Selenium Sulfide Drug Facts

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

SELENIUM SULFIDE - TOPICAL (se-LEE-nee-um SUL-fide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Selsun Blue

USES: This medication is used to treat dandruff and a certain scalp infection (seborrheic dermatitis). It reduces itching, flaking, irritation, and redness of the scalp. Selenium sulfide is also used for a condition that causes discoloration of the skin (tinea versicolor). This medication belongs to a class of medications called anti-infectives. It works by slowing the growth of the yeast that causes the infection.

HOW TO USE: This medication is for use on the skin only. Some brands require shaking before use. Check your product package to see if your brand needs to be shaken. Before using this medication, remove any jewelry to avoid damage to it. Avoid getting this medication into your eyes, inside your nose or mouth, or on any areas of broken/inflamed skin since it may cause irritation. If this occurs, flush the area with plenty of water. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to use this medication properly. For the treatment of dandruff or scalp dermatitis, follow the manufacturer's instructions, or use as directed by your doctor. Wet the scalp and massage the medication onto the wet scalp. Leave it on your scalp for 2-3 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Some brands may require a second application. Check your product package to see if your brand requires a repeat application. Be sure to rinse your hair and scalp well with water after each application, especially on bleached, tinted, or permed hair. This medication is usually used 1 or 2 times per week to treat dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, or less frequently to maintain control of dandruff. For the treatment of tinea versicolor, apply selenium sulfide to the affected skin. Lather with a small amount of water. Allow it to remain on your skin for 10 minutes. Rinse your skin thoroughly with water after each use. If the medication touches the genital areas or skin folds, rinse the area well with water for a few minutes to prevent irritation. This medication is applied usually once daily for 7 days to treat tinea versicolor, or use as directed by your doctor. Wash your hands after using selenium sulfide. Do not leave this medication on your hair, scalp, or skin for a longer period or use it more often than directed. Your condition will not clear faster, but side effects may be increased. If your condition worsens or does not improve, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

SIDE EFFECTS: Skin irritation, dry skin, oily or dry hair/scalp, or temporary hair loss may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, discontinue use and consult your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Hair discoloration may occur and can be reduced by carefully rinsing the hair thoroughly after each treatment. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using selenium sulfide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: red/irritated/broken skin. This medication is not recommended for children younger than 2 years. Consult your doctor before using this medication. If you are using selenium sulfide on the body for tinea versicolor, this medication should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Though there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: Keep all medical and laboratory appointments.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Keep the container tightly closed. Avoid freezing. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.