Selenium Sulfide
An antifungal and antiseborrheic agent, used topically.
Since the last update we have not found any published data on its excretion in breast milk.
The small dose and low plasma uptake of most topical dermatological preparations make it unlikely that significant amounts will pass into breast milk.
There is no cutaneous absorption of selenium sulphide through intact skin (Sánchez 1984), but there may be severe absorption and poisoning if applied to heavily abraded skin (Ransone 1961).
Since it is highly irritating to mucous membranes and toxic if ingested, it should not be applied to the chest in order to prevent the infant from ingesting it; if necessary, apply after breastfeeding and clean well with water before the next feed.
List of WHO essential medicines: compatible with breastfeeding (WHO / UNICEF 2002).
Alternatives
We do not have alternatives for Selenium Sulfide since it is relatively safe.
Very Low Risk
Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.
Low Risk
Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.
High Risk
Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.
Very High Risk
Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.
Synonyms
- Selenium Disulfide
Writings
- σελήνιο θειούχο (Greek)
- Сульфид Селения (Cyrillic)
- 二硫化セレン (Japanese)
- SeS2 (Molecular formula)
References
- WHO / UNICEF. BREASTFEEDING AND MATERNAL MEDICATION Recommendations for Drugs in the Eleventh WHO Model List of Essential Drugs. Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development (WHO/UNICEF) 2002 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
- Sánchez JL, Torres VM. Selenium sulfide in tinea versicolor: blood and urine levels. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1984Abstract
- RANSONE JW, SCOTT NM Jr, KNOBLOCK EC. Selenium sulfide intoxication. N Engl J Med. 1961Abstract