Selsun Blue

Generic name: Selenium Sulfide Lotion [ se-LEE-nee-um-SUL-fide ]
Brand names: Dandrex, Selsun Blue
Drug class: Miscellaneous topical agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 28, 2023.

Uses of Selsun Blue:

• It is used to treat dandruff.
• It is used to control seborrheic dermatitis.
• It is used to treat fungal infections of the skin.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Selsun Blue?

• If you have an allergy to selenium sulfide or any other part of Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide lotion).
• If you are allergic to Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide lotion); any part of Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide lotion); 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 Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide lotion) 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 Selsun Blue?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide lotion). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• If you use Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide lotion) 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 Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide lotion) 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 Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide lotion) 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 (Selsun Blue) best taken?

Use Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide lotion) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

For all uses of Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide lotion):

• Shake well before use.
• Take off jewelry before use.

Lotion (scalp):

• Do not take Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide lotion) 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.

Lotion (skin):

• Do not take Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide lotion) by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Wash your hands before and after use. Do not wash your hands after use if putting this on your hand.
• Put on affected part, lather, and rub in gently.
• Leave on for 10 minutes.
• Rinse fully.

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.

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 Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide lotion) is used.

What are some other side effects of Selsun Blue?

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:

For all uses of Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide lotion):

• Burning.
• Stinging.

Scalp:

• Change in color of hair.
• Oily or dry hair or scalp.
• Hair loss. Hair most often grows back when Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide lotion) 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 Selsun Blue?

• 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 Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide lotion), 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