Head and Shoulders Intensive Treatment, Selsun Blue Medicated Treatment (selenium sulfide topical) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects and more

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Sections selenium sulfide topical
Dosing & Uses
Adverse Effects
Warnings
Pregnancy
Pharmacology
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Patient Handout
Formulary

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

water & lipid based foam

2.25% (TersiFoam)

lotion

2.5%

shampoo

1%
2.3% (SelRx)

Tinea Versicolor

Apply 2.5-2.5% lotion/shampoo to affected area and lather with small amounts of water; leave on skin for 10 min and rinse thoroughly; apply qDay for 7 days

TersiFoam: Rub foam into affected skin q12hr

Dandruff, Seborrhea

Wet skin/scalp and apply 5-10 mL of shampoo to areas to be cleansed; apply 2 times/week for 2 weeks initially, and THEN once q1-2weeks to control symptoms

Allow to remain on skin/scalp for 2-3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly

Repeat application if scalp affected and rinse again

Safety and efficacy not established

Frequency Not Defined

Transient stinging

Burning

Lethargy

Alopecia or hair discoloration

Tremor

Unusual dryness or oilness of scalp

Diaphoresis

Abdominal pain

Garlic breath

Itching or irritation

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to selenium sulfide

Not for ophthalmic, oral, anal or intravaginal use

Cautions

Avoid contact with all mucous membranes, including eyes, lips, broken/inflamed skin

Do not use where inflammation or exudation is present, as increased absorption may occur

Risk of systemic toxicity

Discontinue of redness or irritation occur

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category: C

Lactation: not known if distributed in human milk; use cation

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Mechanism of Action

Not yet known, although topically selenium sulfide appears to have cytostatic effect on cells of the epidermis, reducing corneocyte production

May block enzymes responsible for epithelial tissue growth

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: May be absorbed through damaged skin, not through intact skin

Images

Patient Handout

Formulary

FormularyPatient Discounts

Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.

To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.

Create Your List of Plans

Adding plans allows you to:

View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.

The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

View explanations for tiers and restrictions

Tier	Description
1	This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
2	This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
3	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
4	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
5	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
6	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
NC	NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.

Code	Definition
PA	Prior Authorization Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
QL	Quantity Limits Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
ST	Step Therapy Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
OR	Other Restrictions Drugs that have restrictions other than prior authorization, quantity limits, and step therapy associated with each prescription.

Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.

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Sections selenium sulfide topical
Dosing & Uses
Adverse Effects
Warnings
Pregnancy
Pharmacology
Images
Patient Handout
Formulary

selenium sulfide topical (Rx, OTC)