Selsun Blue

Generic Name: selenium sulfide topical (se LEE nee um SUL fide TOP ik al)

Brand Names: Dandrex, Head & Shoulders Intensive Treatment, Selenos, Selseb, Selsun Blue, Selsun Blue 2 in 1, Selsun Blue Balanced Treatment, Selsun Blue Moisturizing Treatment, Tersi Foam

What is Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide topical)?

Selenium sulfide is an antifungal medication. It prevents fungus from growing on your skin.

Selenium sulfide topical (for the skin) is used to treat dandruff, seborrhea, and tinea versicolor (a fungus that discolors the skin).

Selenium sulfide topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide topical)?

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water. Do not use selenium sulfide topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or broken skin.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.

Do not cover treated skin with a bandage or other dressing unless your doctor has told you to. A light cotton-gauze bandage may be used to protect clothing. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton and other natural fibers until your infection is healed.

Stop using selenium sulfide and call your doctor if you have unusual or severe blistering, itching, redness, peeling, dryness, or irritation of the skin.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide topical)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to selenium sulfide. FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether selenium sulfide is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using selenium sulfide topical, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether selenium sulfide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide topical)?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Shake the selenium sulfide foam well just before each use. Wash your hands after applying this medication.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.

Do not cover treated skin with a bandage or other dressing unless your doctor has told you to. A light cotton-gauze bandage may be used to protect clothing.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine canister away from open flame, and do not puncture the can.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of selenium sulfide topical is not likely to produce life-threatening side effects.

What should I avoid while using Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide topical)?

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water. Do not use selenium sulfide topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or broken skin.

Avoid covering treated skin areas with tight-fitting, synthetic clothing that doesn't allow air circulation. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton and other natural fibers until your infection is healed.

Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide topical) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using selenium sulfide and call your doctor if you have unusual or severe blistering, itching, redness, peeling, dryness, or irritation of the skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide topical)?

Avoid using other topical medications at the same time you apply selenium sulfide topical, unless your doctor approves. Other skin medications may affect the absorption or effectiveness of selenium sulfide topical.

More Selsun Blue resources

• Selsun Blue Side Effects (in more detail)
• Selsun Blue Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Selsun Blue Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Selsun Blue - Add your own review/rating

• Selsun Blue Lotion MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Dandrex Topical Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Selseb MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Tersi Foam Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Tersi Foam MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Selsun Blue with other medications

• Seborrheic Dermatitis
• Tinea Versicolor

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about selenium sulfide topical.

See also: Selsun Blue side effects (in more detail)