|
| U.S. Brand
Names |
|
| Exsel®; Head & Shoulders®
Intensive Treatment
[OTC]; Selsun®; Selsun Blue®[OTC]; Selsun Gold® for
Women
[OTC] |

|
|
| Generic
Available |
|
|
Yes |

|
|
| Pharmacological Index |
|
|
Topical Skin Product |

|
|
| Use |
|
|
Treatment of itching and flaking of the scalp associated with dandruff, to
control scalp seborrheic dermatitis; treatment of tinea
versicolor |

|
|
| Pregnancy Risk
Factor |
|
|
C |

|
|
| Contraindications |
|
|
Known hypersensitivity to selenium or any component |

|
|
| Warnings/Precautions |
|
|
Do not use on damaged skin to avoid any systemic toxicity; avoid topical use
in very young children; safety of topical in infants has not been
established |

|
|
| Adverse
Reactions |
|
|
>10%: Dermatologic: Unusual dryness or oiliness of scalp
1% to 10%:
Central nervous system: Lethargy
Dermatologic: Alopecia or hair discoloration
Gastrointestinal: Vomiting following long-term use on damaged skin, abdominal
pain, garlic breath
Local: Irritation
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Tremor
Miscellaneous: Diaphoresis |

|
|
| Overdosage/Toxicology |
|
|
Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea |

|
|
| Mechanism of
Action |
|
|
May block the enzymes involved in growth of epithelial
tissue |

|
|
| Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics |
|
|
Absorption: Topical: Not absorbed through intact skin, but can be absorbed
through damaged skin
Elimination: Urine, feces, lungs, skin |

|
|
| Usual Dosage |
|
|
Topical:
Tinea versicolor: Apply the 2.5% lotion to affected area and lather with
small amounts of water; leave on skin for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly;
apply every day for 7 days |

|
|
| Patient
Information |
|
|
Topical formulations are for external use only; notify physician if condition
persists or worsens; avoid contact with eyes; thoroughly rinse after
application |

|
|
| Nursing
Implications |
|
|
Notify physician if condition persists or worsens |

|
|
| Dosage Forms |
|
|
Lotion: 2.5% (120 mL)
Shampoo: 1% (120 mL, 210 mL, 240 mL, 330 mL); 2.5% (120 mL)
|

|
|
| References |
|
|
Lester RS, "Topical Formulary for the Pediatrician," Pediatr Clin North
Am, 1983, 30(4):749-65. |

|
|
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|