Chemical Properties
orange to reddish-brown powder
Chemical Properties
There are various selenium sulfides: Selenium monosulfide, SeS, is orange-yellow powder or tablets,
Uses
Antifungal; antiseborrheic.
Uses
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.
Definition
ChEBI: Selenium sulfide is a sulfide salt.
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.
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
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.
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.
