Selenium disulfide
| Clinical data | |
|---|---|
| Trade names | Selseb, Selsun Blue, others |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
| Pregnancy category |
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| Routes of administration |
Topical |
| ATC code | |
| Legal status | |
| Legal status |
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| Identifiers | |
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| Synonyms | Selenium sulfide |
| CAS Number | |
| PubChem CID | |
| ChEMBL | |
| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | S2Se |
| Molar mass | 143.09 |
| Density | 3 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 111 °C (232 °F) |
| Boiling point | 118 to 119 °C (244 to 246 °F) (decomposes) |
| Solubility in water | negligible mg/mL (20 °C) |
Selenium disulfide is a medication used to treat pityriasis versicolor and seborrhoeic dermatitis (dandruff). It is applied to the affected area as a lotion or shampoo. Dandruff frequently returns if treatment is stopped.
Side effects include hair loss, irritation of the skin, weakness, and feeling tired. Use in not recommended in children less than 2–5 years old. Use in pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been studied. Selenium disulfide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula SeS2.
Selenium disulfide was approved for medical use in the United States at least as early as 1951. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. Selenium disulfide is available as a generic medication and over the counter. In the United States a month of treatment costs less than 25 USD. In the United Kingdom 100 ml of 2.5% shampoo costs the NHS about 1.96 pounds.
Selenium disulfide is sold as an antifungal agent in shampoos for the treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis associated in the scalp with Malassezia genus fungi. In the United States, a 1% strength is available over-the-counter, and a 2.5% strength is also available with a prescription. At the 2.5% strength, selenium disulfide is also used on the body to treat tinea versicolor, a type of fungal skin infection caused by a different species of Malassezia.
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