Selenium
Description
Selenium is a nutritionally essential trace element required for the human body. It is required for many vital processes like thyroid hormone metabolism, protection from infections and oxidative damage, DNA synthesis, etc.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Selenium
- Hair loss
- Itching of skin
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Finger nail weakening
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
Uses of Selenium
What is it prescribed for?
- Selenium deficiency
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this supplement to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this supplement remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This supplement is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this supplement.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This supplement is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this supplement.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to selenium or selenium-containing products, any other inactive ingredients present in the formulation.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This supplement is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this supplement.
Breast-feeding
This supplement is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this supplement.
General warnings
Other medicines
Selenium may interact with many other medicines and may cause severe adverse effects. Hence, it is advised that you inform the doctor about all your current medicines including any herbs and supplements before beginning treatment with this supplement.
Kidney Disease
This supplement should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases due to the increased risk of adverse effects. Close monitoring of kidney function, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Other Indications
This supplement may also be used for other indications since it plays a vital role in many functions like DNA synthesis, thyroid hormone metabolism, reproduction and protection of cellular components.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Barbiturates
Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets
Statins
Disease interactions
Kidney Disease
This supplement should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases due to the increased risk of adverse effects. Regular monitoring of kidney function is necessary for such patients. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take this supplement exactly as advised by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the treatment course is completed. Do not stop the use of this supplement without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This supplement works by lowering the oxidative stress in the body. It is also important in proper functioning of the thyroid gland.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Minerals and electrolytes
Schedule
OTC
Selenium - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 28 September 2018]. Available from:
Selenium [Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 28 September 2018]. Available from:
Office of Dietary Supplements - Selenium [Internet]. Ods.od.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 28 September 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 10 Sep 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.