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Selenium sulfide

Generic Medicine Info
Indications and Dosage
Topical/Cutaneous
Tinea versicolor
Adult: As 2.5% susp: Apply undiluted onto the affected area(s) and leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat once daily for 1 week.

Topical/Cutaneous
Dandruff, Seborrhoeic dermatitis
Adult: As 1% shampoo/lotion or 2.5% susp: Apply onto wet hair and scalp, then rinse thoroughly. Use at least twice weekly.
What are the brands available for Selenium sulfide in Singapore?
  • Seldron
  • Selsun
Special Precautions
Pregnancy and lactation.
Adverse Reactions
Significant: Skin irritation or sensitisation.
General disorders and administration site conditions: Application-site irritation.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Skin discolouration, hair discolouration, hair thinning; oiliness or dryness of the scalp or hair.
Patient Counseling Information
Avoid contact with the eyes. Do not apply to inflamed or damaged skin or mucous membranes.
Monitoring Parameters
Assess for signs and symptoms of severe skin irritation.
Action
Description:
Overview: Selenium sulfide is an anti-infective agent with antifungal and antiseborrhoeic properties.
Mechanism of Action: Selenium sulfide is believed to inhibit the enzymes involved in the growth of epithelial tissue upon absorption into the epithelial tissue. Additionally, it appears to have a cytostatic action on cells of the epidermis and follicular epithelium which results in decreased corneocyte production.
Chemical Structure

Chemical Structure Image
Selenium sulfide

Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 24011, Selenium sulfide (SeS). https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Selenium-sulfide-_SeS. Accessed Nov. 26, 2025.

Storage
Store between 15-30°C. Shake well before use.
MIMS Class
Psoriasis, Seborrhea & Ichthyosis Preparations / Topical Antifungals & Antiparasites
ATC Classification
D01AE13 - selenium sulfide ; Belongs to the class of other antifungals for topical use.
References
Brayfield A, Cadart C (eds). Selenium Sulfide. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 17/10/2025.

Head and Shoulders 2 in 1 Clinical Strength Cooling Itch Relief Lotion/Shampoo (The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 17/10/2025.

Joint Formulary Committee. Selenium. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 17/10/2025.

Meijer Medicated Anti-dandruff Shampoo (Meijer Distribution, Inc). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 17/10/2025.

Selenium Sulfide 2.5% Lotion (Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 20/11/2025.

Selenium Sulfide. UpToDate Lexidrug, AHFS DI (Adult and Pediatric) Online. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 17/10/2025.

Selenium Sulfide. UpToDate Lexidrug, Lexi-Drugs Multinational Online. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 17/10/2025.

Selsun 2.5% Suspension (Rohto-Mentholatum [Malaysia] Sdn. Bhd.). National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency - Ministry of Health Malaysia. https://www.npra.gov.my. Accessed 17/10/2025.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Selenium sulfide from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2025 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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