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BLOOD AND BLOOD FORMING ORGANS › BLOOD SUBSTITUTES AND PERFUSION SOLUTIONS › I.V. SOLUTION ADDITIVES › Electrolyte solutions
sodium selenite
B05XA20
Forms & Strengths
- Injectable solution: 40 mcg/mL, 60 mcg/mL
- Oral tablets: 50 mcg, 100 mcg, 200 mcg (as elemental selenium)
Adult Dosing
- Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) supplementation: 40 to 60 mcg elemental selenium daily IV
- Selenium deficiency: 100 to 200 mcg orally daily, adjusted based on serum levels
Pediatric Dosing
- Neonates and infants on TPN: 2 to 3 mcg/kg/day IV
- Children (> 1 year) on TPN: 2 mcg/kg/day IV, up to a maximum of 40 mcg daily
Indications
- Prevention and treatment of selenium deficiency in patients requiring long-term total parenteral nutrition
- Adjunctive treatment in selenium-deficient states
Mechanism of Action
- Provides selenium, an essential trace element required for the synthesis of selenoproteins including glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase
- Acts as an antioxidant protecting cellular components from oxidative damage
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to selenium or any component of the formulation
- Pre-existing severe selenium toxicity (selenosis)
- Conditions with elevated baseline blood selenium levels
Adverse Reactions
- Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea
- Dermatologic: hair loss, brittle nails, garlic odor of breath, skin rash
- Neurological: irritability, fatigue, peripheral neuropathy (with chronic toxicity)
Drug Interactions
- Heavy metal antagonists (e.g., chelating agents) may decrease selenium efficacy
- Concurrent use with other selenium-containing supplements may lead to toxicity
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in high doses may reduce the absorption of oral selenium supplements
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use