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# SELENIUM

Selenium (Elemental) Injection 50 mcg/mL, 5 mL vial as it relates to IV wellness practice.

⚠ As always: these guidelines are general clinical ranges. Selenium must be prescribed by a doctor, compounded/dispensed by a TGA-approved pharmacy, and administered by trained clinicians under appropriate governance.

## Product Information

**Drug:** Selenium (as sodium selenite / elemental)

**Concentration:** 50 mcg/mL

**Vial size:** 5 mL (total = 250 mcg selenium)

**Route:** IV infusion (diluted in fluids, never as IV bolus)

## Dosage Ranges

### Wellness IV Practice (trace mineral support):

- **Safe range:** 50–200 mcg IV per drip
- That equals: 1–4 mL of Selenium 50 mcg/mL solution
- Add to 250–500 mL carrier fluid (0.9% NaCl, CSL, or Hartmann's)
- **Infusion time:** 30–60 minutes
- Patient can only have selenium once a month

## Clinical Benefits

- Antioxidant support: cofactor for glutathione peroxidase → reduces oxidative stress
- Immune function: supports T-cell and NK-cell activity
- Thyroid function: essential for conversion of T4 → T3
- Anti-inflammatory: may reduce chronic inflammation markers
- Synergy with Vitamin E, C, and Glutathione

## Safety & Precautions

- Upper safe daily limit: ~400 mcg selenium (total intake, diet + IV)
- Excess / chronic overdose (selenosis): hair loss, nail changes, GI upset, garlic breath, neuro symptoms
- Do not give IV push → risk of vein irritation & toxicity
- Monitor: renal/hepatic function if frequent infusions; serum selenium levels if doing ongoing therapy
- Interactions: caution with high-dose Vitamin C (may reduce selenium availability)

## Australia Injectable Drugs Handbook

https://aidh.hcn.com.au/

There is no data for Selenium with AIDH

> **BE AWARE OF SELENIUM TOXICITY - CHECK YOUR DOSE**

## Common & Mild Adverse Reactions

Often dose- or rate-related and transient:

- Metallic or garlic-like taste
- Nausea
- Mild headache
- Warmth or flushing
- Lightheadedness

## Local Infusion Reactions

- Burning or discomfort at cannula site
- Vein irritation
- Phlebitis (rare)

➡ Selenium solutions can be mildly irritating.

## Moderate Reactions

- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramping
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
- Mild hypotension

More likely with rapid infusion or higher doses.

## High-Dose / Selenium Toxicity (Selenosis)

Typically associated with excessive or repeated dosing:

- Garlic breath odour
- Metallic taste
- Hair thinning or loss
- Brittle nails
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Gastrointestinal upset

**Severe toxicity (rare in IV wellness settings):**

- Cardiac rhythm disturbances
- Neurological changes

> **BE AWARE OF SELENIUM TOXICITY - CHECK YOUR DOSE**

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