Selenium Sulphide

These indications are based on manufacturer information for both originator and generic products. For product specific indications, please refer to product specific manufacturer information

South African indications:

• Common dandruff
• Mild to moderate severe cases of seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp
• Pityriasis versicolor (tinea versicolor)

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of its excipients
• Do not allow contact with broken or severely inflamed skin

Cautions

• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Renal impairment
• Hepatic impairment
• Avoid contact with eyes
• Prolonged duration of contact prior to rinsing off

Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: sha

Dosages below include:

• South African Standard Treatment Guideline indications and dosages
• South African registered indications and dosages

Infections caused by Dermatophytes (including, Pityrosporum orbiculare)

Specific doses based on individual indications

Please note that the dosages below should be used in combination with regional guidelines, taking into account local antibiotic sensitivities

South African Standard Treatment Guideline indications and dosages

Pityriasis versicolor - tinea versicolor

• Topical (sha): Apply to affected areas, and wash off after 30min; Repeat daily for 3 successive days OR weekly for 3 weeks and leave on overnight then wash off 
  (STG, Adults 2019; PHC 2020)

Seborrhoeic dermatitis
- For itching scalp, scaling and dandruff

• Topical (sha): Apply to affected areas, and wash off after 10min; Repeat weekly until improved and every 2nd week to maintain control
  (STG, PHC 2020)

South African registered indications and dosages

Dandruff
Seborrhoeic dermatitis of scalp

• Topical (sha): Apply 5-10ml to wet scalp and massage; Leave for 2-3min before rinsing, repeat; Apply 2 applications per week for 2 weeks; Then decrease to weekly, biweekly or every 3-4 weeks (manufacturer recommendation)

Wash hands after treatment

Pityriasis versicolor

• Topical (sha): Apply small quantity to whole body; Leave for 10min then rinse, dly; Treatment duration: 1 week (manufacturer recommendation)

Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes

Paed. forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: sha

Infections caused by Dermatophytes (including, Pityrosporum orbiculare)

Specific doses based on individual indications

Please note that the dosages below should be used in combination with regional guidelines, taking into account local antibiotic sensitivities

Seborrhoeic dermatitis of scalp

Younger than 5 years

• Not established for use

Older than 5 years

• See adult dosage

Pregnancy

• Caution
• There are no adequate data from the use of selenium sulphide in pregnant women. Animal studies are insufficient with respect to effects on pregnancy, foetal development and postnatal development. Avoid during pregnancy

Breastfeeding

• Caution; not recommended
• Selenium sulphide excretion into breast milk is unknown. Avoid during breastfeeding

Renal Impairment

• Caution; no information available

Hepatic Impairment

• Caution; no information available

Elderly

• No dose adjustment recommended

Porphyria Information

• Not yet classified (NC) 

Drugs in Sport

• Non-regulated product
• Non-regulated products are not subjected to rigorous controls to verify its efficacy, safety, nor that the ingredients, dosages and claims listed on the label are indeed accurate, therefore authorities caution athletes against the risk of using these products

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

• Skin/scalp irritation 
• Skin/scalp sensitisation
• Burning sensation
• Blistering 
• Hair loss 
• Discolouration of hair
• Increased hair oiliness 
• Hair dryness 
• Rash 
• Urticaria

Immune, Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders

• Allergic reaction

• Hair dyes

None routine

Selenium sulphide acts as an anti-seborrhoeic agent which effectively controls itching and scaling dandruff. It has activity against certain dermatophytes, as well as a cytostatic effect on cells of the epidermis and follicular epithelium, thus reducing corneocyte production.

Spectrum of activity: Dermatophytes (including, Pityrosporum orbiculare)

Selenium Sulphide is available in several formulations. Please note the list below gives examples of products which are available and is not necessarily comprehensive. The listing of a product does not constitute endorsement of the product by EMGuidance; likewise, failure to list a product does not imply that EMGuidance disapproves of the product. This information is put together on the basis of the National Government's Medicines Price Registry at the time of publication

Shampoo (per 100ml) 2.5g

• Selsun (Mentholatum)