Selenium sulfide

Absorption

There is no substantial absorption through intact skin. Absorption has been reported in patients with open lesions on the scalp or in patients using a 1% cream on the back - a patient with scalp lesions that used selenium shampoos had a level of selenium sulfide as high as 32 μg/ml in her urine.

Toxicity

No documented reports of serious toxicity in humans resulting from acute ingestion of selenium sulfide, however, acute toxicity studies in animals suggest that ingestion of large amounts could result in potential human toxicity.

Chemical properties

orange to reddish-brown powder

Chemical properties

There are various selenium sulfides: Selenium monosulfide, SeS, is orange-yellow powder or tablets,

The Uses of Selenium sulfide

Selenium sulfide is used as an antifungal agent to treat dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, eborrhea and tinea versicolor. It is the active component in shampoos as an antifungal agent.

The Uses of Selenium sulfide

Antifungal; antiseborrheic.

Background

Selenium Sulfide is an antifungal agent as well as a cytostatic agent, slowing the growth of hyperproliferative cells in seborrhea. Selenium Sulfide is the active ingredient often used in shampoos for the treatment of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and tinea capitis, a fungal infection that is primarily a disease of preadolescent children.

Indications

For treatment of tinea versicolor, tinea capitis, dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.

Indications

Selenium sulfide suspension (Selsun) is a mixture of selenium monosulfide and a suspension of solid selenium and amorphous sulfur. Selenium acts by inhibiting cellular proliferation, kills yeast organisms, and has high substantivity. Little or no toxicity has been observed when applied directly to normal skin or hair, but these products should not be used on inflamed or exudative skin, where absorption may be increased. They are used in the control of seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, and tinea versicolor.

Definition

ChEBI: Selenium sulfide is a sulfide salt.

brand name

Exsel (Allergan); Selsun (Chattem).

General Description

Selenium sulfide is a bright orange colored powder. Selenium sulfide is insoluble in water. Selenium sulfide is toxic by ingestion and inhalation, and is irritating to skin and eyes. Selenium sulfide is used to make medicated shampoos.

Air & Water Reactions

Slightly water soluble.

Reactivity Profile

Selenium sulfide may react vigorously with acids to release hydrogen sulfide gas.. May react with oxidizing agents, including inorganic oxoacids, organic peroxides and epoxides.

Fire Hazard

Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily. When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion hazards. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. Substance may be transported in a molten form.

Flammability and Explosibility

Not classified

Pharmacokinetics

Selenium sulfide is an antifungal agent often used in shampoos for the treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Selenium sulfide is highly active in inhibiting the growth of P. ovale. It is also a proven cytostatic agent, slowing the growth of both hyperproliferative and normal cells in dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. A 0.6% micronized form of selenium sulfide is also safe and effective for dandruff.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion. Used in shampoos. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of SO, and Se. See also SELENIUM COMPOUNDS and SULFIDES.

Potential Exposure

Selenium sulfide is used for the treatment of seborrhea, especially in shampoos. The chemical is available over the counter as Selsun, a stabilized buffered suspension. FDA reports that selenium sulfide is an active ingredient in some drug products used for the treatment of dandruff and certain types of dermatitis. A dandruff shampoo containing 1% selenium sulfide is available without a prescription and is recommended for use once or twice a week. By prescription, selenium sulfide is available in a 2.5% shampoo or lotion, with the recommended application limited to 10 minutes for 7 days to avoid the possibility of acute toxic effects. Selenium sulfide is also used topically in veterinary medicine for eczemas and dermatomycoses.

Metabolism

Not Available

Shipping

UN2657 Selenium disulfide, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials.

Incompatibilities

Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides. Violent reaction with silver oxide.