FDA-filed SPL labeling · retrieved through openFDA

Selenium Sulfide

Selenium sulfide is a topical antidandruff ingredient used across many shampoo and cream products to relieve and help prevent the flaking, itching, irritation, and redness associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

Brand names Head and Shoulders Intensive Treatment Dandruff ShampooSelsun BlueSelsunExselSelRx +11 more
Rx/OTC Forms 3 Route Topical
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Reviewed by Last reviewed Jul 10, 2026
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand

The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 51 clinical label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →

At a glance
Linked label effectiveMay 31, 2025
Clinical labels in scope ⓘ51
AvailabilityRx/OTC
Earliest approval/marketing year ⓘ2002
FDA-listed product records ⓘ126
Boxed warningNone found in compared labels
How we combine label and product data →
✓No current FDA shortage listed · checked Sep 18, 2026
⭐ Selenium Sulfide at a glance The quick version — the full detail is in the Patient Information Guide below.
💊
HelloPharmacist Editorial Team Bottom Line
Selenium sulfide is a well-established topical ingredient that effectively fights dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis by slowing scalp cell turnover. Use it at least twice a week on the scalp as directed, keep it away from your eyes and broken skin, and see a doctor if symptoms don't improve. It's for external use only — keep it away from children and never swallow it.
How we write & review this content — our editorial policy →

📖 Selenium Sulfide: Patient Information Guide

A plain-language walkthrough of Selenium Sulfide — what it treats, how it works, how it’s taken, side effects, warnings and interactions. Tap any section to expand it.

🎯What it's used for▾

Selenium sulfide is used topically to treat and prevent dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis symptoms across a wide range of shampoo and topical products.

  • Relieves scalp itching, flaking, and scaling associated with dandruff
  • Relieves itching, irritation, redness, flaking, and scaling associated with seborrheic dermatitis
  • Helps prevent recurrence of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis symptoms
  • Silvagle Selenium Sulfide Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: specifically labeled to relieve scalp itching, flaking, scaling, irritation, and redness and prevent recurrence of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis
  • CareOne Medicated Dandruff, CareOne Medicated Dandruff with Menthol, and CareOne Moisturizing Dandruff with Aloe: labeled for relief of flaking and itching associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis and to help prevent chance of recurrence
  • CVS Health MAXIMUM STRENGTH Dandruff: labeled for relief of flaking and itching associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis and to help prevent recurrence
⚙️How it works▾

Selenium sulfide appears to have a cytostatic effect — meaning it slows down the rapid production and shedding of skin cells on the scalp and in the hair follicles. This reduction in cell turnover helps control the buildup of flakes that characterizes dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. The precise molecular mechanism of how topically applied selenium sulfide achieves this is not yet fully understood.

💊How it's taken▾

Selenium sulfide is applied topically to the scalp — shake the bottle well before each use. Wet your hair, massage the product into your scalp, allow it to sit briefly if directed, then rinse thoroughly. Most products recommend using at least twice a week for best results, or as directed by your doctor.

  • CVS Gold: apply to wet hair, work to the ends, leave on 3–5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly
  • All other shampoo/solution products: wet hair, massage onto scalp, rinse, and repeat if desired
  • If you have bleached, tinted, gray, or permed hair, rinse for at least 5 minutes after use

Always follow the specific directions on your product's label and any instructions from your prescriber.

🤒Side effects — in detail▾

Selenium sulfide is generally well tolerated, but some side effects can occur:

  • Scalp or skin irritation
  • Occasional increase in normal hair loss
  • Hair discoloration (thorough rinsing after use can help prevent this)
  • Oiliness or dryness of hair and scalp
  • Eye irritation if the product contacts your eyes

Stop using the product and see a doctor if your condition worsens, does not improve with regular use, or if you notice signs of an allergic reaction such as significant irritation or swelling.

⚠️Warnings & precautions▾
  • For external use only — never swallow this product. If ingested, contact a Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical help right away.
  • Do not apply to broken or inflamed skin.
  • Keep away from eyes — if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water immediately.
  • Avoid contact with the genital area, as it may cause irritation and burning.
  • Keep out of reach of children at all times.
  • Stop use and contact a doctor if symptoms worsen or do not improve after regular use as directed.
  • Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredient in the product.
🔀What it interacts with▾

The FDA labels for selenium sulfide products do not identify specific drug, food, or supplement interactions to be aware of.

    This is not a complete list of interactions. Always talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

    📋Before taking it▾
    • Do not use if you have a known or suspected allergy to any ingredient in the product.
    • Do not apply to broken, cut, or inflamed skin.
    • Keep away from eyes and the genital area.
    • Keep all selenium sulfide products out of reach of children.
    • If you have bleached, tinted, gray, or permed hair, rinse your hair for at least 5 minutes after use to reduce the chance of discoloration.
    🚑If you take too much▾

    Selenium sulfide topical products are meant for use on the scalp only — they are not meant to be swallowed. While no serious human toxicity from accidental oral ingestion has been documented, animal studies suggest that swallowing a large amount could be harmful. If someone swallows this product, consider contacting a Poison Control Center or seeking medical help right away so that appropriate steps — such as emptying the stomach — can be taken quickly.

    📡Pharmacodynamics — effects in the body▾

    Selenium sulfide appears to slow the production of skin cells on the scalp and in the hair follicles — a process called a cytostatic effect. By reducing how quickly these cells are made and shed, it helps control the visible flaking and scalp symptoms of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

    📦How to store it▾

    Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (between 59°F to 86°F). Protect from freezing and excessive heat.

    📄 Written from Selenium Sulfide’s FDA-approved label information, summarized in plain language with AI, and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Every point is grounded in that labeling — nothing is invented. How we use AI →

    🩺 Pharmacist Counseling Corner

    Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Selenium Sulfide — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.

    What is selenium sulfide actually used for? ▾
    Selenium sulfide is used on your scalp to fight dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis — a skin condition that causes oily, scaly, itchy patches. It helps relieve the flaking, itching, irritation, and redness, and regular use helps keep those symptoms from coming back.
    How often should I use it? ▾
    Most selenium sulfide shampoos recommend using at least twice a week for best results. Some products suggest using it every time you shampoo for maximum dandruff control. Always check the directions on your specific product and follow any advice from your doctor.
    Will it damage or discolor my hair? ▾
    There have been occasional reports of hair discoloration, especially in people with bleached, tinted, gray, or permed hair. The good news is that rinsing your hair thoroughly — for at least 5 minutes if your hair is color-treated — can help prevent this. Some people may also notice slight changes in hair oiliness or dryness, which is normal.
    What should I do if it gets in my eyes? ▾
    Rinse your eyes immediately and thoroughly with water if the product makes contact. Selenium sulfide can cause irritation to the eyes, so try to keep it on your scalp and away from your face. If eye irritation persists, check in with your doctor.
    Is it safe to swallow, even a small amount? ▾
    No — selenium sulfide is strictly for external use on the scalp. If someone accidentally swallows it, contact a Poison Control Center or seek medical help right away. This is especially important with young children, so always store the product out of their reach.
    How long before I notice results? ▾
    Most people start to see improvement in flaking and itching with regular use at least twice a week. If your symptoms don't get better after consistent use, or if they get worse, stop using the product and see a doctor — it could be a sign that a different treatment is needed.
    Is Selenium Sulfide available over the counter? ▾
    Both — Selenium Sulfide is sold both over the counter and by prescription, according to its FDA labeling. Lower strengths or certain forms are often available without a prescription, while higher strengths or specialized forms still require one. Ask your pharmacist which version is right for you.
    When was Selenium Sulfide first available? ▾
    Selenium Sulfide has been available in the United States since at least 2002, based on FDA approval history (Drugs@FDA) and product marketing records.
    Who makes Selenium Sulfide? ▾
    Selenium Sulfide is supplied by 50 manufacturers listed in the FDA NDC Directory, including The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company, Chattem, Inc., Bryant Ranch Prepack.

    💬 Answers drafted from Selenium Sulfide’s FDA-approved label information, summarized in plain language with AI, and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Grounded in that labeling — nothing is made up. How we use AI →

    🧰 Keep exploring

    🌿Drug & Supplement CheckerSelenium Sulfide vs. vitamins & herbs 💬Ask a PharmacistFree answer, usually < 24h 🔎NDC & pricing lookupFind Selenium Sulfide NDCs & costs 🅰️Browse Drugs A–ZLook up any medication

    💊 How Selenium Sulfide comes

    Selenium Sulfide is available in 3 forms. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.

    Topical cream, ointment or gel

    On the skin
    Brands Careone Medicated Dandruff Dandruff Naturaltech Purifying Anti-dandruff Selsun Blue 2-in-1 Selsun Blue Medicated Selsun Blue Moisturizing
    How this form is used
    What it may be used for
    • Careone Medicated Dandruff: relieves flaking and itching associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis and helps prevent recurrence
    • CareOne Medicated Dandruff with Menthol: relieves flaking and itching associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis and helps prevent recurrence
    • CareOne Moisturizing Dandruff with Aloe: relieves flaking and itching associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis and helps prevent recurrence
    • CVS Health MAXIMUM STRENGTH Dandruff: relieves flaking and itching associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis and helps prevent recurrence
    Important instructions
    • amazon basics maximum strength dandruff: shake well, wet hair, massage onto scalp, rinse, repeat if desired; use at least twice a week or as directed by a doctor
    • CVS Gold: apply a generous amount to wet hair, massage onto scalp and work to the ends, leave on 3–5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly; use at least twice a week or as directed by a doctor
    • For all products in this form: for external use only — avoid contact with eyes and broken or inflamed skin
    Available strengths 10 strengths
    2.5 mg/100 mL 10 mg/mL 22.5 mg/mL 23 mg/mL 25 mg/mL 0.6 g/100 mL
    Show 4 more strengths Show fewer strengths
    1 g/100 mL 1000 mg/100 mL 1.77 g/177 mL 2.5 g/250 mL
    115 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

    Topical solution

    On the skin
    Brands Flaky Scalp Silvagle Selenium Sulfide Anti DandruffShampoo
    How this form is used
    What it may be used for
    • Silvagle Selenium Sulfide Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: relieves scalp itching, flaking, scaling, irritation, and redness; helps prevent recurrence of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis
    Important instructions
    • Silvagle Selenium Sulfide Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: for external use only; avoid contact with eyes; use at least twice a week or as directed by a doctor
    • For all products in this form: shake well before use, apply to wet hair, massage into scalp, rinse thoroughly
    Available strengths 4 strengths
    1 mg/100 mg 1 mg/384 mL 10 mg/mL 0.1 g/mL
    6 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

    Oral solution

    By mouth
    Available strengths 1 strength
    29.41 kg/100 kg
    1 FDA-listed product record ⓘ

    📊 Selenium Sulfide across the U.S. market

    How Selenium Sulfide appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.

    3
    Dose forms ⓘ
    50
    Manufacturers
    40
    Brand names
    126
    FDA-listed product records ⓘ
    2002
    First marketed ⓘ

    FDA-listed product records by dose form (tablet variants merged) — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

    Also listed with the FDA, not a patient dose form: Powder (4) — bulk drug substance sold to compounders/manufacturers and multi-item kits. These aren’t counted in the dose-form total above.

    The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company15%
    Chattem, Inc.8%
    Bryant Ranch Prepack5%
    Walgreen Company5%
    Laser Pharmaceuticals, LLC3%
    Maesa, LLC.3%
    Other makers60%

    Share of FDA-listed product records by manufacturer — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

    📈 How widely Selenium Sulfide is used

    A general measure of how commonly Selenium Sulfide is prescribed, based on Medicaid — one of the largest public drug programs. The figure below is prescriptions filled in Q1–Q4 2025, summed across every form and brand of the drug.

    Think of this as a proxy for how widely Selenium Sulfide is used, drawn from freely available public data. Medicaid is just one program — these numbers don’t include Medicare, other government coverage, or commercial and cash-pay prescriptions, so real-world use is higher than what’s shown here.

    65,979
    Medicaid prescriptions filled (Q1–Q4 2025)
    $1.6M gross Medicaid reimbursement (before mandatory rebates — net cost is lower)

    How commonly is Selenium Sulfide prescribed? Of the 1,596 medications we measure, Selenium Sulfide ranks #578 by Medicaid prescriptions — more than 64% of them.

    Where Selenium Sulfide ranks among the drugs we measure · Q1–Q4 2025 · neighbors ±5
    Total prescriptions — #578 of 1,596
    #573 Fosaprepitant Dimeglum... 67,432 Rx #574 Dorzolamide Ophthalmic 67,286 Rx #575 Glucagon Injection / S... 67,274 Rx #576 Isosorbide Dinitrate 67,209 Rx #577 Perphenazine 66,429 Rx #578 Selenium Sulfide 65,979 Rx #579 Pantoprazole Injection 65,430 Rx #580 Ertapenem Injection 65,406 Rx #581 Bismuth Subsalicylate 65,273 Rx #582 Leuprolide Injection 63,703 Rx #583 Leuprolide 63,703 Rx

    Utilization by Selenium Sulfide product

    Pick a product to see its own Medicaid numbers. Each chip is one clinical product — a specific strength & dosage form as defined by RxNorm — with brand-name and generic versions combined.

    The 22.5 mg/mL medicated shampoo is the most-dispensed Selenium Sulfide product — about 23% of these Medicaid prescriptions.

    selenium sulfide 22.5 MG/ML Medicated Shampoo Most dispensed

    15,447 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 23% of Selenium Sulfide prescriptions shown $856,212 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $55 per prescription (gross)

    Summed across the 1 of 10 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 706548

    selenium sulfide 10 MG/ML Medicated Shampoo

    6,419 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 10% of Selenium Sulfide prescriptions shown $54,710 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $8.52 per prescription (gross)

    Summed across the 1 of 73 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 204642

    Other Selenium Sulfide products — combination packs and listings not yet matched to a specific clinical product (kept visible so every prescription is accounted for)

    44,113 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 67% of Selenium Sulfide prescriptions shown $665,340 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $15 per prescription (gross)

    Summed across the 1 of 12 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity.

    Shares are of the Medicaid prescriptions shown here. Product grouping follows RxNorm (the National Library of Medicine’s drug terminology), so “one product” means one strength & dosage form regardless of manufacturer. Dollar figures are gross Medicaid reimbursement before mandatory rebates — rebates (often large, especially for brand-name drugs) are confidential, so actual net cost to Medicaid is lower than shown.

    Source: Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (CMS), aggregated by generic ingredient — summed across every NDC (all brands, strengths, salt forms and dosage forms) of Selenium Sulfide, and across all states and both fee-for-service and managed-care claims. A general popularity signal; it excludes Medicare, commercial insurance and cash prescriptions, so it is not total U.S. use. Based on the 3 of 95 listed Selenium Sulfide NDCs with Medicaid activity.

    🔍 Compare Selenium Sulfide products

    A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Selenium Sulfide — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)

    Showing 126 of 126 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 126 Selenium Sulfide NDCs →

    RxNorm Concept Web — From Ingredient to Every Form and Strength

    This page starts with one ingredient concept (IN). The branches below show its dose-form concepts (SCDF), then the available clinical drug and strength concepts (SCD). Combination products remain separate concepts with their own pages.

    Ingredient (IN) Selenium Sulfide RxCUI 36345 2 dose forms · 6 strengths
    1. Dose form (SCDF) Medicated Shampoo RxCUI 377509 In current FDA listings
      Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 6 MG/ML RxCUI 1245946 10 MG/ML RxCUI 204642 22.5 MG/ML RxCUI 706548 23 MG/ML RxCUI 1436940 25 MG/ML RxCUI 238600
    2. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Foam RxCUI 727146 In current FDA listings
      Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 22.5 MG/ML RxCUI 727147

    Look up RxCUI 36345 in the RxCUI Atlas →

    RxNorm is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s normalized drug vocabulary. Its concept hierarchy can include forms that are not currently marketed; the status on each branch compares that concept with current FDA listings. RxCUIs identify vocabulary concepts, not individual packages or manufacturers.

    🏷️ Sold under these brand names

    Head and Shoulders Intensive Treatment Dandruff Shampoo Selsun Blue Selsun Exsel SelRx Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandrex Tersi Foam Dandruff Selsun Blue Moisturizing Selsun Blue Medicated Selsun Blue 2-in-1 Naturaltech Purifying Anti-dandruff Careone Medicated Dandruff Topco Associates Rugby Anti-Dandruff

    🏭 Manufacturers & labelers

    The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company 17 Chattem, Inc. 9 Bryant Ranch Prepack 6 Walgreen Company 6 Laser Pharmaceuticals, LLC 4 Maesa, LLC. 4 Retail Business Services, LLC 4 Meijer Distribution, INC 4 KMM Pharmaceuticals, LLC 3 A-S Medication Solutions 3 Davines S.p.A. 3 Method Pharmaceuticals, LLC 3 Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd 3 Amazon.com Services Llc 3 Topco Associates 2 Nuvothera, Inc. 2 Meijer Distribution 2 Target Corporation 2 RPK Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2 Macsen Drugs 2 Rugby Laboratories 2 Kroger 2 Vi-Jon, LLC 2 American Sales Company 2

    …and 16 more on the FDA NDC directory.

    RxNorm drug class

    Selenium Sulfide belongs to the Other antifungals for topical use class.

    Drug family (ATC) Other antifungals for topical use

    Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.

    🔬 Where this comes from

    Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.

    📄
    FDA-filed drug labels (SPL) Uses, dosing, warnings & side effects from SPL records retrieved through openFDA; the linked representative set can be verified on DailyMed. ✓ Linked label effective May 31, 2025
    🏭
    Forms, brands & labelersAggregated from ingredient-matched FDA National Drug Code Directory product records for Selenium Sulfide.
    📈
    Real-world reportsThe FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), served through openFDA.
    🚨
    Recalls & shortagesopenFDA drug-enforcement reports and the FDA drug-shortage database.
    🧾 Clinical label set — FDA-filed SPL labels retained for Selenium Sulfide after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching
    Clinical labels in scope
    51
    NDC products indexed
    126
    Distinct labelers/manufacturers represented
    50
    Linked representative label ⓘ
    Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd
    Linked label effective
    May 31, 2025
    Composite sections available
    16
    Linked SPL Set ID
    28b84e3c-ae44-40bb-93c4-2625e19f7e61
    Linked SPL Document ID
    88f77de3-64b1-4ef8-9b6f-39c54ba9f9e4
    Open the linked representative label on DailyMed ↗
    NDC package records associated with this linked SPL 1

    How we combine label and product data

    HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records; we don’t author the underlying clinical facts. We identified 51 FDA-filed SPL label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. The representative label is the starting point for the displayed reference monograph; the 12 largest stored in-scope SPL records, which may include that representative, are compared section by section, and the longest available version of each section is retained. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, product-listed strengths, and product-record counts are aggregated separately from ingredient-matched FDA NDC Directory records; package records listed above are associated with the linked SPL; and the normalized concept hierarchy comes from NLM RxNorm.

    For canonical ingredient pages, bounded product-attributed indication and administration excerpts may be added to the AI evidence, and the generator is instructed to preserve available product, brand, route, and form qualifiers instead of treating one label as universal. Where a section is identified as AI-written, its plain-language text is generated from bounded label evidence. New draft drug pages remain in the admin review queue before first publication. Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates; it is not the sole source used for the page.

    This is general education, not medical advice — always consult your doctor or pharmacist about your medications and any medical condition. For the exact wording of the linked representative label, view that label on DailyMed; some displayed composite sections may come from other in-scope SPL labels. Learn how we use AI and our data sources & update cadence.