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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Brand Name
Selenium Metallicum
Generic Name
Selenium Metallicum
Active Ingredient
SeleniumCategory
Copper-containing Intrauterine Device [EPC]
Variants
8
Different strengths and dosage forms
| Strength | Form | Route | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1250 |
| 1 [hp_M]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1253 |
| 500 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1252 |
References used for this content
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Selenium Metallicum, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
| 200 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1251 |
| 30 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1249 |
| 6 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1247 |
| 12 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1248 |
| 1 [hp_Q]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1254 |
Detailed information about Selenium Metallicum
Selenium is an essential trace mineral and antioxidant that functions as a cofactor for various enzymes. It is primarily used to prevent deficiency, support thyroid health, and protect cells from oxidative stress.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for most adults is 55 micrograms (mcg) per day. For therapeutic supplementation, healthcare providers may recommend:
Pediatric dosing is strictly based on age and weight:
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or those on hemodialysis may require adjusted doses, as selenium levels can be altered by the dialysis process. Monitoring of serum selenium levels is recommended.
No specific dose adjustments are generally required for mild to moderate hepatic impairment, though the liver is a primary site for selenoprotein synthesis.
No specific age-related dose adjustments are typically necessary, though clinicians should consider overall nutritional status and renal function.
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Acute selenium toxicity (selenosis) is serious. Signs include a garlic-like breath odor, metallic taste, hair loss, brittle nails, and neurological disturbances. In case of suspected overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency services immediately.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose without medical guidance.
At standard RDA levels, side effects are rare. However, at higher supplemental doses, patients may experience:
Selenium is essential for health, but the margin between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is narrower than for many other vitamins. Patients should avoid taking multiple supplements containing selenium (e.g., a multivitamin plus a standalone selenium pill) without calculating the total daily intake.
No FDA black box warnings for Selenium.
There are no absolute drug contraindications where Selenium must never be used; however, it should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to any selenium-containing product.
FDA Pregnancy Category: Not formally assigned for supplements, but selenium is considered safe when taken within the RDA (60 mcg/day for pregnant women). Selenium is essential for fetal development, particularly for the brain and thyroid. However, intake should not exceed the 400 mcg upper limit due to potential risks to the fetus.
Selenium is naturally excreted in human breast milk. The RDA for lactating women is 70 mcg/day. Supplementation within these limits is generally considered safe and necessary for the infant's nutrition.
Selenium is vital for growth and immune function in children. Dosing must be carefully managed by a pediatrician to avoid toxicity, as children have lower tolerable upper limits than adults. It is not approved for high-dose therapeutic use in children unless a deficiency is clinically confirmed.
Selenium functions as a structural component of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which catalyzes the reduction of hydroperoxides and lipid peroxides, thereby protecting cells from oxidative damage. It is also a critical component of iodothyronine deiodinase enzymes, which facilitate the peripheral conversion of the pro-hormone thyroxine (T4) to the biologically active triiodothyronine (T3) by removing an iodine atom.
The pharmacodynamic effect of selenium is delayed, as it must be incorporated into proteins during synthesis. The onset of maximal antioxidant effect typically occurs after several weeks of consistent intake. The duration of effect depends on the turnover rate of the specific selenoproteins.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | 50% - 90% (Form dependent) |
Common questions about Selenium Metallicum
Selenium is primarily used as a nutritional supplement to prevent or treat selenium deficiency, which can cause heart and joint problems. It is also vital for supporting healthy thyroid function, as it helps convert thyroid hormones into their active forms. Many people take it for its antioxidant properties, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, it plays a role in maintaining a healthy immune system and supporting reproductive health. Your healthcare provider may recommend it if your dietary intake is insufficient or if you have specific metabolic needs.
When taken at recommended doses, selenium rarely causes side effects. However, if intake exceeds the recommended limits, common symptoms include a garlic-like odor on the breath and a metallic taste in the mouth. Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal issues like nausea or diarrhea. At higher supplemental levels, hair and nail brittleness or loss can occur. If you notice these symptoms, it is important to contact your healthcare provider to check your selenium levels. Always stay within the recommended daily allowance unless directed otherwise by a professional.
There is no direct, dangerous interaction between alcohol and selenium supplements. However, chronic and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to lower levels of selenium in the body by reducing absorption in the gut and increasing the amount lost through urine. This can eventually lead to a deficiency. If you are taking selenium to correct a deficiency, it is best to limit alcohol intake to ensure the supplement is effective. Always discuss your alcohol consumption habits with your doctor when starting new supplements.
Selenium is considered safe and is actually essential during pregnancy for the development of the baby's brain and immune system. The recommended intake for pregnant women is slightly higher than for non-pregnant adults, typically around 60 mcg per day. However, it is crucial not to exceed the upper limit of 400 mcg per day, as excessive selenium can be harmful. Most prenatal vitamins already contain an appropriate amount of selenium. You should consult your obstetrician before adding a separate selenium supplement to your routine.
The time it takes for selenium to 'work' depends on the condition being treated. For correcting a nutritional deficiency, it may take several weeks of consistent supplementation to restore optimal blood levels and for symptoms to improve. If being used for thyroid support, clinical studies often monitor patients for 3 to 6 months before assessing changes in antibody levels or hormone function. Because selenium must be incorporated into new proteins, the effects are not immediate. Consistency is key to seeing the biological benefits of this mineral.
Yes, in most cases, you can stop taking selenium supplements suddenly without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Since it is a mineral found in food, your body will continue to get some selenium from your diet. However, if you were taking it to treat a specific medical condition or a diagnosed deficiency, stopping the supplement may cause your selenium levels to drop again over time. It is always best to inform your healthcare provider before discontinuing any supplement they have recommended. They can help you determine if your dietary intake is sufficient to maintain healthy levels.
If you miss a dose of selenium, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. You should never take two doses at once to make up for a missed one, as this increases the risk of reaching toxic levels. Since selenium is stored in the body's tissues, missing a single dose is unlikely to have a significant impact on your health. Setting a daily reminder can help you stay consistent with your supplementation.
There is currently no strong clinical evidence to suggest that selenium supplementation causes weight gain in humans. In fact, because selenium is essential for proper thyroid function, it may help maintain a healthy metabolism. A properly functioning thyroid is critical for regulating how your body uses energy and manages weight. Some studies have even explored selenium's role in supporting weight loss in people with thyroid disorders, though it is not a weight-loss drug. If you experience unexpected weight changes, you should consult your doctor to investigate the underlying cause.
Selenium can interact with certain medications, so caution is necessary. It may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin. There is also some evidence that antioxidants like selenium might interfere with the effectiveness of certain cholesterol-lowering statins or chemotherapy drugs. Additionally, high doses of zinc can sometimes interfere with how well your body absorbs selenium. Always provide your healthcare provider with a full list of your medications and other supplements to ensure there are no harmful interactions.
Selenium is widely available as a generic dietary supplement and is sold under many different brand names and store labels. It is available in various chemical forms, such as sodium selenite or L-selenomethionine, all of which are considered non-proprietary. The injectable form used in hospitals, selenious acid, is also available from multiple manufacturers. Because it is a naturally occurring element, it cannot be patented as a basic mineral. This makes selenium supplements relatively affordable and accessible in most pharmacies and health food stores.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Selenium)
> Warning: Stop taking Selenium and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these.
Prolonged intake above the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (400 mcg/day) can lead to chronic selenosis. Some observational studies have suggested a potential link between long-term high selenium levels and an increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes, though this remains a subject of clinical debate.
No FDA black box warnings exist for Selenium as a nutritional supplement or selenious acid injection.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.
For patients receiving Selenium via parenteral nutrition or high-dose therapy, clinicians may monitor:
Selenium does not typically interfere with the ability to drive or operate heavy machinery.
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to selenium deficiency by interfering with absorption and increasing urinary excretion. While there is no direct contraindication, alcohol should be consumed in moderation.
Selenium supplements can generally be stopped without a tapering period, unless they are being used to treat a diagnosed deficiency under medical supervision.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting Selenium.
Selenium supplementation is not known to significantly interfere with standard laboratory assays, though it will obviously increase measured serum selenium concentrations.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
There is no established cross-sensitivity between selenium and other minerals, though patients allergic to yeast should avoid selenium-enriched yeast products.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing Selenium.
Older adults may have reduced dietary intake of selenium. While supplementation may be beneficial, clinicians should monitor renal function, as decreased clearance could theoretically increase the risk of accumulation.
Selenium is primarily excreted by the kidneys. In patients with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the half-life of selenium may be prolonged, necessitating lower doses and frequent monitoring.
No specific dose adjustments are required, but patients with severe liver disease should be monitored for their ability to synthesize selenoproteins.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment.
| Protein Binding | >95% (as Selenoprotein P and Albumin) |
| Half-life | 24 hours (Initial); 15-20 days (Terminal) |
| Tmax | 2 - 8 hours |
| Metabolism | Hepatic (Methylation) |
| Excretion | Renal (50-60%), Fecal, Respiratory |
Selenium is classified as a Trace Element and Nutritional Supplement. It is often grouped with other antioxidants like Vitamin E.