Selenium


Generic Medicine Info
Indications and Dosage
Oral
Selenium deficiency
Adult: In proven cases that cannot be offset from food sources: As elemental selenium: 100-200 mcg daily, may increase to 500 mcg daily if necessary.

Parenteral
Selenium deficiency
Adult: Doses are expressed as elemental selenium. In proven cases that cannot be offset from food sources: 100-200 mcg daily via IM or IV inj, may increase to 500 mcg daily if necessary. As a supplement to IV solutions for TPN: 60-100 mcg daily. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries or individual products (refer to specific product guidelines).
Child: Doses are expressed as elemental selenium. In proven cases that cannot be offset from food sources: Initially, 2 mcg/kg daily via IM or IV inj. Maintenance: 1 mcg/kg daily. Max doses for chronic use: 1-3 years 60 mcg daily; 4-6 years 90 mcg daily; 7-10 years 130 mcg daily; 11-14 years 200 mcg daily; 15-17 years 250 mcg daily. As a supplement to IV solutions for TPN: Infants 2 mcg/kg daily (in those with low birth weight: 2-3 mcg/kg daily); Children 2 mcg/kg daily (Max: 30 mcg daily). Dosage recommendations may vary among countries or individual products (refer to specific product guidelines).
Incompatibility
May form precipitation with reducing substances (e.g. ascorbic acid).
Special Precautions
Patient with gastrointestinal impairment. Renal impairment. Infants and children. Pregnancy and lactation.
Adverse Reactions
General disorders and administration site conditions: Pain at the inj site (IM).
Monitoring Parameters
Assess selenium levels in whole blood or serum to monitor treatment response. In patients receiving long-term parenteral nutrition: Monitor plasma selenium levels every 3-6 months or 6-12 months (refer to detailed product guidelines).
Overdosage
Oral: Symptoms: Garlicky breath, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, altered mental status; chronic overdose may cause dermatological effects (e.g. dermatitis, nail and hair loss), irritability, and may lead to peripheral polyneuropathy. Management: Symptomatic and supportive treatment. Perform gastric lavage and forced diuresis in case of an acute overdose. Administer high doses of ascorbic acid. In cases of extreme overdose (e.g. 1,000-10,000 times the normal dose), dialysis may be performed.
Action
Description:
Mechanism of Action: Selenium is an essential trace element which is an integral part of glutathione peroxidase that protects cell components from oxidative damage caused by peroxidases produced in cellular metabolism. It is converted in vivo to hydrogen selenide via glutathione-involved electron reductions. Hydrogen selenide acts as the central selenium pool for excretion and to form selenoproteins which include, but are not limited to, glutathione peroxidase, iodothyronine deiodinase, peroxidase, and thioredoxins.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the small intestine.
Distribution: Stored in RBC, liver, spleen, heart, and nails. Crosses the placenta and enters breast milk. Plasma protein binding: IV: 85% (within 4-6 hours); 95% (24 hours).
Metabolism: Converted to hydrogen selenide; excess hydrogen selenide is metabolised via methylselenol and dimethylselenide to trimethylselenonium ion (main elimination product).
Excretion: Mainly via urine (as trimethylselenonium ion); faeces, lungs, skin. Terminal elimination half-life: 65-116 days.
Chemical Structure

Chemical Structure Image
Selenium

Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 6326970, Selenium. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Selenium. Accessed Sept. 27, 2021.

Storage
Store between 20-25°C. Storage recommendations may vary among individual products. Refer to specific product guidelines.
MIMS Class
Electrolytes
ATC Classification
A12CE - Selenium ; Used as dietary supplements.
References
Anon. Selenious Acid. AHFS Clinical Drug Information [online]. Bethesda, MD. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. https://www.ahfscdi.com. Accessed 20/09/2021.

Anon. Selenium. Lexicomp Online. Hudson, Ohio. Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 01/09/2021.

Buckingham R (ed). Selenium. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 01/09/2021.

Joint Formulary Committee. Selenium. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 01/09/2021.

Selenase 100 micrograms, Oral Solution (biosyn Arzneimittel GmbH). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 01/09/2021.

Selenase 500 micrograms, Oral Solution (biosyn Arzneimittel GmbH). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 01/09/2021.

Selenase 500 micrograms, Solution for Injection (biosyn Arzneimittel GmbH). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 01/09/2021.

Selenious Acid Injection, Solution (American Regent, Inc.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 01/09/2021.

Selenium 10 micrograms/mL Concentrate for Solution for Infusion (Laboratoire Aguettant). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 01/09/2021.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Selenium from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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