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ALIMENTARY TRACT AND METABOLISM › MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS › OTHER MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS › Selenium
sodium selenite
A12CE02
Forms & Strengths
- Oral tablets: 50 mcg, 100 mcg, 200 mcg selenium
- Oral drops: 200 mcg/mL
- Intravenous solution: 40 mcg/mL, 60 mcg/mL
Adult Dosing
- Selenium deficiency: Oral/IV 50 to 200 mcg daily
- Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) additive: IV 60 to 100 mcg daily
- Max daily dose: 400 mcg daily to avoid toxicity
Pediatric Dosing
- Neonates/Infants on TPN: IV 2 to 3 mcg/kg daily
- Children (>1 year): Oral/IV 1 to 2 mcg/kg daily, up to max 40 mcg daily
- Selenium deficiency: Individualized based on serum selenium levels
Indications
- Prevention and treatment of selenium deficiency
- Supplementation in patients requiring long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
Mechanism of Action
- Provides essential trace element selenium, a critical cofactor for glutathione peroxidase and other selenoproteins
- Protects cells and membranes from oxidative damage by neutralizing reactive oxygen species
- Supports thyroid hormone metabolism via iodothyronine deiodinases
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to selenium or any component of the formulation
- Pre-existing overt selenium toxicity (selenosis)
- Severe renal impairment unless monitored
Adverse Reactions
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
- Dermatological: Hair loss, brittle nails, garlic odor on breath, skin lesions
- Neurological: Irritability, fatigue, peripheral neuropathy
- Metabolic: Altered glucose metabolism
Drug Interactions
- Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets: Potential increased risk of bleeding with high-dose selenium
- Heavy metal chelators: May decrease absorption or efficacy of selenium
- Statins: Concurrent high-dose antioxidant supplementation may attenuate the HDL-raising effects of niacin/statin combinations
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use