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
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