Selenium Sulfide Shampoo

Generic name: Selenium Sulfide Shampoo [ se-LEE-nee-um-SUL-fide ]
Drug class: Miscellaneous topical agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 30, 2024.

Uses of Selenium Sulfide Shampoo:

• It is used to treat dandruff.
• It is used to control seborrheic dermatitis.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Selenium Sulfide Shampoo?

• If you have an allergy to selenium sulfide or any other part of selenium sulfide shampoo.
• If you are allergic to selenium sulfide shampoo; any part of selenium sulfide shampoo; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take selenium sulfide shampoo with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Selenium Sulfide Shampoo?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take selenium sulfide shampoo. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• If you use selenium sulfide shampoo too often, your skin problem may become worse.
• Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
• Do not put on irritated skin.
• Do not put on open sores or broken skin.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If selenium sulfide shampoo is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using selenium sulfide shampoo while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Selenium Sulfide Shampoo) best taken?

Use selenium sulfide shampoo as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Shake well before use.
• Take off jewelry before use.
• Do not take selenium sulfide shampoo by mouth. Use on your scalp and hair only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, ears, and eyes (may burn).
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• To use as a shampoo, wet hair and scalp. Lather well and leave on as you have been told. Rinse fully.
• Repeat treatment as you have been told by the doctor.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Related/similar drugs

prednisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone topical, clotrimazole topical, ketoconazole topical, terbinafine topical, itraconazole, Decadron, miconazole topical, Deltasone

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Redness.
• Irritation where selenium sulfide shampoo is used.

What are some other side effects of Selenium Sulfide Shampoo?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Burning.
• Stinging.
• Change in color of hair.
• Oily or dry hair or scalp.
• Hair loss. Hair most often grows back when selenium sulfide shampoo is stopped.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Selenium Sulfide Shampoo?

• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
• Protect from heat.
• Keep lid tightly closed.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about selenium sulfide shampoo, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer