Type of medicine: antiseborrheic; antifungal
Generic and brand names: selenium sulfide, topical; Head & Shoulders Intensive Treatment; Selsun; Selsun Blue; Selseb (There may be other brand names for this medicine.)
This medicine is used on the scalp to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It may also be used on the skin to treat certain fungal infections.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine.
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
This medicine is for external use only. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use it only as directed. Do not use it more often than recommended. Wash your hands before and after using this medicine. Shake the medicine well before using.
Before using this medicine on the scalp, wet your hair with warm water. Apply the medicine and rub it into your scalp to work up a lather. If you are using this medicine on the skin, apply to the affected area and lather with a small amount of water. Leave the medicine on for as long as your healthcare provider prescribes. If your healthcare provider has not given you specific instructions, follow the directions that come with the medicine package. Rinse your hair and scalp or skin area completely.
Do not use this medicine if your skin is broken, blistered, oozing, or irritated unless your healthcare provider approves.
Keep this medicine away from your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, rinse them well with water.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
If used on blond, gray, bleached, tinted, or permed hair, rinse for at least 5 minutes. This will prevent hair discoloration. Do not use this medicine within 48 hours of applying hair color or permanent wave solutions.
This medicine may damage jewelry. Remove any jewelry before using this medicine.
If your condition does not improve or if it gets worse, contact your healthcare provider.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider): Severe rash; burning sensation; any signs of infection such as fever over 101°F, pus from wounds or burn sites.
Other: Stinging sensation, skin irritation, itching, increased sensitivity to the sun, hair loss, dry or oily scalp.
No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, do not use other products on your scalp or skin while you are using this medicine unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine in a safe place away from other medicines that are swallowed, to avoid accidentally swallowing it. Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
