Selenium Sulfide, Topical

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antiseborrheic

Generic and brand names: selenium sulfide, topical; Excel; Head & Shoulders Intensive Treatment; Selsun; Selsun Blue

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used as a shampoo to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Tell your health care provider if you are allergic to any medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine is for external use only. Use it only as directed. Do not use it more often than recommended.

Before using this medicine, wet your hair with warm water. Apply the medicine and rub it into your scalp to work up a lather for 2 or 3 minutes. Rinse your hair and scalp. Repeat and rinse thoroughly to prevent hair discoloration.

Do not use this medicine if the skin on your scalp is broken, blistered, or irritated unless your health care 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 health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

If you use this medicine before or after tinting, bleaching, or permanent-waving your hair, rinse your hair with cool water for at least 5 minutes.

What are the possible side effects?

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 health care provider if you have any side effects, such as skin irritation, that continue or get worse.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, do not use other products on your scalp while you are using this one without your health care provider's approval.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

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 health care 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.