Ketoconazole vs. Selenium Sulfide
- Ketoconazole and selenium sulfide are antifungal agents used to treat itching, flaking, scaling, and dry skin on the scalp due to dandruff. Ketoconazole and selenium sulfide are also used for treating seborrhea (a red, itchy rash) and tinea versicolor, a fungal infection of the skin.
- Brand names for ketoconazole include Nizoral, Nizoral A-D, Ketodan, Extina, Xolegel, and Kuric. Brand names for selenium sulfide include Head & Shoulders, Selsun Blue, SelRx, and Selsun Rx.
- Side effects of ketoconazole and selenium sulfide that are similar include hair loss (rare), and scalp tingling.
- Side effects of ketoconazole that are different from selenium sulfide include rash, itching, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, fatigue, impotence, blood count abnormalities, serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), and depression.
- Side effects of selenium sulfide that are different from ketoconazole include oily hair, dry hair, dry scalp, hair loss, hair discoloration, scalp irritation, skin irritation, sweating, burning sensation, garlic breath, or tremor.
What are ketoconazole and selenium sulfide?
Ketoconazole is an anti-fungal medication in the same family of drugs as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), and miconazole (Micatin, Monistat). It prevents growth of several types of fungi by preventing production of the membranes that surround fungal cells. It is an anti-fungal medication prescribed to treat fungal infections such as thrush, ringworm, jock itch, athlete's foot, dandruff, tinea versicolor, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and coccidiomycosis.
Selenium sulfide is a chemical agent commonly used for treating dandruff. It is an antifungal agent that also relieves itching, flaking, scaling, and dry skin on the scalp due to dandruff. Selenium sulfide is also used for treating seborrhea and tinea versicolor, a fungal infection of the skin.
What are the side effects of ketoconazole and selenium sulfide?
Ketoconazole
Ketoconazole generally is well tolerated. Commonly reported side effects of ketoconazole are:
- rash,
- itching,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- abdominal pain,
- headache,
- dizziness,
- fatigue,
- impotence, and
- blood count abnormalities.
Other important side effects of ketoconazole are rare; they include:
- serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis),
- severe depression,
- hair loss, and
- tingling sensations.
Liver dysfunction also has been reported. Signs of liver problems include unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, yellowing of the skin (jaundice), dark urine, and pale stools. Development of these symptoms while taking ketoconazole should be reported to a physician.
Selenium Sulfide
The common side effects of selenium sulfide are:
- Oily hair
- Dry hair
- Dry scalp
- Hair loss
- Hair discoloration
Other side effects of selenium sulfide include:
What is the dosage of ketonazole vs. selenium sulfide?
Ketonazole
Ketoconazole may be taken with or without food. The oral dose range is 200-400 mg daily. Recurrent tinea versicolor is treated with 400 mg monthly. Topical formulations are administered to affected areas once or twice daily.
Selenium Sulfide
For treating dandruff, 5-10 mL of shampoo or lotion should be massaged into wet scalp 2 times per week for 2 weeks then once every 1-2 weeks to control dandruff. The shampoo or lotion should be left on the scalp for 2 to 3 minutes, then rinsed off3 or 4 times with water. The application should be repeated.
Tinea versicolor should be treated by applying lotion or shampoo to the affected area, leaving it on the skin for 10 minutes and then washing it off with water. It should be applied every day for 7 days. The foam should be rubbed into the affected skin every 12 hours.
What drugs interact with ketonazole and selenium sulfide?
Ketonazole
There are no drug interactions listed for topical ketonazole.
Selenium Sulfide
There are no drug interactions listed for topical selenium sulfide.
Are ketoconazole and selenium sulfide safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Ketoconazole
A small amount of ketoconazole is secreted in breast milk. Nursing mothers should probably avoid breastfeeding while using ketoconazole.
Selenium Sulfide
Use of selenium sulfide during pregnancy has not been adequately evaluated. It is not known whether selenium sulfide is excreted in breast milk.
