Version July 2025
Dandruff, scalp seborrhea:
Lotion (2.5%): Children and Adolescents: Topical: Massage 5 to 10 mL into wet scalp, leave on scalp 2 to 3 minutes, and rinse thoroughly. Repeat application and rinse thoroughly. Usually, 2 applications each week for 2 weeks will provide control; after this, may repeat at less frequent intervals (eg, once weekly, every 2 to 4 weeks).
Shampoo (1%, 2.25%, 2.3%): Children and Adolescents: Limited data available in Children <12 years: Topical: Massage shampoo into wet scalp and rinse thoroughly. Use at least twice weekly for 2 weeks, followed by less frequent application (eg, once weekly); use only as frequently as necessary to maintain control (Ref).
Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm), adjunctive therapy: Limited data available: Note: Tinea capitis requires systemic therapy to reach hair follicles; topical therapy may be added as adjunctive therapy to reduce shedding and prevent recurrence (Ref).
Children and Adolescents: Lotion (2.5%), Shampoo (1%, 2.25%, 2.3%): Topical: Apply to the scalp and hair for 5 to 10 minutes two to three times weekly; use in combination with a systemic agent for at least 2 weeks; some continue topical therapy throughout duration of systemic therapy (Ref).
Tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor):
Lotion (2.5%): Children and Adolescents: Topical: Apply to affected area and lather with a small amount of water; leave on skin for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly; apply once daily for 7 days. Once control is achieved, may apply weekly or monthly to prevent recurrence (Ref).
Shampoo (2.25%, 2.3%): Limited data available: Children and Adolescents: Topical: Apply to affected area and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse off. Apply once daily for 3 to 7 days. Once control is achieved, may apply weekly or monthly to prevent recurrence (Ref).
There are no dosage adjustments in the manufacturer's labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments in the manufacturer's labeling.
(For additional information see "Selenium sulfide: Drug information")
Dandruff, scalp seborrhea: Topical:
Lotion 2.5%, shampoo (2.25%, 2.3%): Massage ~5 to 10 mL into wet scalp; leave on scalp for 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse scalp thoroughly. Repeat application and rinse thoroughly. Usually 2 applications each week for 2 weeks will provide control. After this, may repeat at less frequent intervals (eg, once weekly, every 2 to 4 weeks).
Shampoo (OTC 1%): Massage shampoo into wet scalp then rinse thoroughly. Use at least twice weekly for best results.
Tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor): Topical:
Lotion 2.5%, shampoo (2.25%, 2.3%): Apply to affected area(s) and lather with small amounts of water; leave on skin for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat once daily for 7 days (Ref).
There are no dosage adjustments in the manufacturer's labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments in the manufacturer's labeling.
The following adverse drug reactions are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.
Postmarketing:
Dermatologic: Hair discoloration, skin discoloration (scalp) (Gilbertson 2012), thinning hair
Local: Application-site irritation
Hypersensitivity to selenium sulfide or any component of the formulation.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Local effects: Skin irritation or sensitization may occur; discontinue use if irritation or sensitivity occurs.
Other warnings/precautions:
• Appropriate use: For external use only; not for ophthalmic, oral, anal or intravaginal use. Due to the risk of systemic toxicity, do not use when acute inflammation or exudation is present or on damaged skin or mucous membranes.
• Self-medication (OTC use): Shampoo: When used for self-medication, contact a health care provider before use if the seborrheic dermatitis is in other areas other than the scalp. Discontinue use and contact a healthcare provider if condition worsens or does not improve after regular use.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Lotion, External:
GoodSense Dandruff Shampoo: 1% (325 mL) [contains fd&c blue #1 (brilliant blue), menthol]
Generic: 2.5% (118 mL, 120 mL)
Shampoo, External:
Anti-Dandruff: 1% (207 mL) [contains fd&c blue #1 (brilliant blue), menthol]
SelRx: 2.3% (180 mL [DSC]) [contains fd&c red #40 (allura red ac dye), methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben]
Generic: 2.25% (180 mL); 2.3% (180 mL)
Yes
Lotion (Selenium Sulfide External)
2.5% (per mL): $0.17
Shampoo (Selenium Sulfide External)
2.25% (per mL): $0.88 - $0.91
2.3% (per mL): $3.10 - $3.11
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
Topical: For external topical use only; not for ophthalmic, oral, anal, or intravaginal use. May damage jewelry; remove before treatment.
Lotion: Shake products well prior to use. Do not apply to acutely inflamed or broken skin or on mucous membranes.
Shampoo: Shake well before use. Do not apply to acutely inflamed or broken skin or on mucous membranes. Apply to wet scalp and hair for appropriate duration of time (based on indication), then rinse thoroughly; for color-treated or permed hair, it is especially important to rinse hair thoroughly after treatment.
Topical: Shake well before using. For external use only; not for ophthalmic, oral, anal or intravaginal use. Do not use when acute inflammation or exudation is present or on damaged skin or mucous membranes. For color treated or permed hair, it is especially important to rinse hair thoroughly after treatment. May damage jewelry; remove before treatment.
Hazardous agent; use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (EPA, U-listed).
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from heat and freezing.
Foam: Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis and tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor) of the skin (FDA approved in adults).
Lotion 2.5%: Treatment of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, and tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor) (FDA approved in pediatric patients [age not specified] and adults).
Shampoo:
2.3%: Treatment of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor) (FDA approved in ages ≥12 years and adults).
2.25%: Treatment of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor) (FDA approved in adults).
OTC 1%: Treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp and prevention of recurrence (OTC: FDA approved in adults).
Has also been used as adjunctive therapy for tinea capitis.
Note: Approved indications and ages may vary by product; consult product-specific labeling.
None known.
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program
There are no known significant interactions.
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. The manufacturer's labeling for some products recommend against using selenium sulfide in pregnant women.
Monitor for hair loss, discoloration of hair, oiliness, or dryness of scalp.
May block the enzymes involved in growth of epithelial tissue
Absorption: Topical: None through intact skin, but can be absorbed through damaged skin
