Selenium

Identification

Summary

Selenium is an ingredient found in a variety of supplements and vitamins.

Brand Names
Nicomide
Generic Name
Selenium
DrugBank Accession Number
DB11135
Background

Selenium is a trace metal in the human body particularly important as a component of glutathione peroxidase, an important enzyme in the prevention of cellular damage by free radicals and reactive oxygen species Label

Type
Small Molecule
Groups
Approved, Investigational, Vet approved
Structure
Weight
Average: 78.96
Monoisotopic: 79.916521828
Chemical Formula
Se
Synonyms
  • Selen
  • Selenio
  • Sélénium
  • Selenium elemental
  • Selenium metallicum
  • Selenium, elemental
External IDs
  • 231-957-4
  • C.I. 77805
  • CI 77805

Pharmacology

Indication

For the supplementation of total parenteral nutrition to prevent hyposelenemia Label.

Reduce drug development failure rates
Build, train, & validate machine-learning models
with evidence-based and structured datasets.
See how
Build, train, & validate predictive machine-learning models with structured datasets.
See how
Associated Therapies
Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings
Prevent Adverse Drug Events Today
Tap into our Clinical API for life-saving information on contraindications & blackbox warnings, population restrictions, harmful risks, & more.
Learn more
Avoid life-threatening adverse drug events with our Clinical API
Learn more
Pharmacodynamics

Selenium is incorporated into many different selenoproteins which serve various functions throughout the body 1.

Mechanism of action

Selenium is first metabolized to selenophosphate and selenocysteine. Selenium incorporation is genetically encoded through the RNA sequence UGA 1. This sequence is recognized by RNA ste loop structures called selenocysteine inserting sequences (SECIS). These structures require the binding of SECIS binding proteins (SBP-2) to recognize selenocystiene. The specialized tRNA is first bound to a serine residue which is then enzymatically processed to a selylcysteyl-tRNA by selenocystiene sythase using selenophosphate as a selenium donor. Other unidentified proteins are required as part of the binding of this tRNA to the ribosome. Selenoproteins appear to be necessary for life as mice with the specialized tRNA gene knocked out exhibited early embryonic lethality 2.

The most important selenoproteins seem to be the glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases which are part of the body's defenses againts reactive oxygen species (ROS) 1. The importance of selenium in these anti-oxidant proteins has been implicated in the reduction of atherosclerosis by preventing the oxidation of low density lipoprotein 7 3. Selenium supplementation is also being investigated in the prevention of cancer and has been suggested to be beneficial to immune function 7 4 5.

Absorption

Oral bioavailability of 90% when given as L-selenomethionine 8. Tmax of 9.17h.

Volume of distribution

Not Available

Protein binding

Not Available

Metabolism

Selenium supplements are typically available in the form of sodium selenite which is metabolized to selenide through either glutathione conjugation and subsequent reduction by glutathione reductase enzymes or reduction by thioredoxin reductases 1. Selenide is further metabolized to selenocystein by cysteine synthases and to selenophosphate by selenophosphate synthases. Selenide is also metabolized progressively to methyl-selenol, dimethyl selenide, then trimethylselenonium. Selenocysteine is degraded to methyl-selenol, pyruvate and ammonia by cysteine beta lyase. Selenocystein reacts with oxygen to form selenocysteine selenoxide which spontaneously degrades to methylselenic acid, pyruvate and ammonia. Methylselenic acid can be converted to methylselenol via conjugation with thiol groups on proteins like glutathione.

Route of elimination

Mainly excreted in urine as 1beta-methylseleno-N-acetyl-d-galactosamine and trimethylselenonium 6. The amount excreted as 1beta-methylseleno-N-acetyl-d-galactosamine plateaus at doses around 2microg after which the amount excreted as trimethylselenonium increases. Some selenium is also excreted in feces when given orally 8.

Half-life

Half life was observed to increase with chronic dosing time 8. For day 1-2 half life was 1.7 days. For day 2-3 half life was 3 days. For day 3-14 half life was 11.1 days.

Clearance

Not Available

Adverse Effects
Improve decision support & research outcomes
With structured adverse effects data, including: blackbox warnings, adverse reactions, warning & precautions, & incidence rates. View sample adverse effects data in our new Data Library!
See the data
Improve decision support & research outcomes with our structured adverse effects data.
See a data sample
Toxicity

Oral LD50 of 6700mg/kg in rats MSDS. Selenium exposure is teratogenic and can result in fetal death as tested in mice. Chronic toxicity is characterized by hair loss, white horizontal streaking on fingernails, paronchyia, fatigue, irritability, hyperreflexia, nausea, vomiting, garlic odor on breath, and metallic taste Label. Serum selenium correlates weakly with symtoms. Blood chemistry as well as liver and kidney function are normally unnaffected. Acute toxicity presents as stupor, respiratory depression, and hypotension. ST elevations and t-wave changes characteristic of myocardial infarction may be observed.

Pathways
Not Available
Pharmacogenomic Effects/ADRs
Not Available

Interactions

Drug Interactions
This information should not be interpreted without the help of a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing an interaction, contact a healthcare provider immediately. The absence of an interaction does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.
DrugInteraction
AbacavirAbacavir may decrease the excretion rate of Selenium which could result in a higher serum level.
AceclofenacAceclofenac may decrease the excretion rate of Selenium which could result in a higher serum level.
AcemetacinAcemetacin may decrease the excretion rate of Selenium which could result in a higher serum level.
AcetaminophenAcetaminophen may decrease the excretion rate of Selenium which could result in a higher serum level.
AcetazolamideAcetazolamide may increase the excretion rate of Selenium which could result in a lower serum level and potentially a reduction in efficacy.
Food Interactions
No interactions found.

Products

Drug product information from 10+ global regions
Our datasets provide approved product information including:
dosage, form, labeller, route of administration, and marketing period.
Access now
Access drug product information from over 10 global regions.
Access now
International/Other Brands
B-Traxim Se / Selsaf 2000
Brand Name Prescription Products
NameDosageStrengthRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
Selenious AcidInjection, solution6 ug/1mLIntravenousAMERICAN REGENT, INC.2022-03-28Not applicableUS flag
Selenious AcidInjection, solution40 ug/1mLIntravenousWoodward Pharma Services Llc2022-03-15Not applicableUS flag
Selenious AcidInjection, solution60 ug/1mLIntravenousAMERICAN REGENT, INC.2019-07-01Not applicableUS flag
Over the Counter Products
NameDosageStrengthRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
Bio Selenium Tab 50mcgTablet50 mcg / tabOralSantÉ Naturelle (Ag) LtÉe1988-12-312001-07-06Canada flag
Davinci Selenium Tab 50mcgTablet50 mcg / tabOralFoodscience Laboratories, Division Of Foodscience Corporation1988-12-311997-05-08Canada flag
Gnc Selenium 50mcg TabletTablet50 mcgOralGeneral Nutrition Canada Inc.1997-04-182005-08-05Canada flag
SELENASE® 50 MICROGRAMS/ML - ORAL SOLUTIONSolutionOralIMEKS PHARMA SDN. BHD.2020-09-08Not applicableMalaysia flag
SeleniumCapsule200 mcg / capOralWampole Brands, A Division Of Pangeo Pharma (Canada) Inc.2000-01-212002-07-29Canada flag
Mixture Products
NameIngredientsDosageRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
24 Multivitamins + MineralsSelenium (20 mcg) + Ascorbic acid (150 mg) + Beta carotene (10000 unit) + Biotin (25 mcg) + Calcium (130 mg) + Cholecalciferol (400 unit) + Choline bitartrate (25 mg) + Chromium (20 mcg) + Copper (1 mg) + Cyanocobalamin (25 mcg) + Ferrous fumarate (15 mg) + Folic acid (.8 mg) + Inositol (25 mg) + Magnesium (65 mg) + Manganese (2 mg) + Molybdenum (20 mcg) + Niacin (25 mg) + Calcium pantothenate (25 mg) + Potassium (15 mg) + Potassium Iodide (.1 mg) + Pyridoxine hydrochloride (25 mg) + Racemethionine (25 mg) + Riboflavin (25 mg) + Thiamine hydrochloride (25 mg) + Vanadium (20 mcg) + Vitamin A palmitate (5000 unit) + Vitamin E (50 unit) + Zinc (10 mg)TabletOralStanley Pharmaceuticals, A Division Of Vita Health Products Inc.1997-04-302002-07-31Canada flag
50 Plus Multiple Vitamins & MineralsSelenium (25 mcg) + Ascorbic acid (90 mg) + Biotin (45 mcg) + Calcium (200 mg) + Cholecalciferol (400 unit) + Chromium (10 mcg) + Copper (2 mg) + Cyanocobalamin (25 mcg) + Folic acid (0.4 mg) + Magnesium (100 mg) + Manganese (5 mg) + Molybdenum (25 mcg) + Nicotinamide (40 mg) + Pantothenic acid (10 mg) + Potassium Iodide (0.15 mg) + Pyridoxine hydrochloride (3 mg) + Riboflavin (3.2 mg) + Thiamine mononitrate (2.25 mg) + Vanadium (10 mcg) + Vitamin A palmitate (6000 unit) + Zinc (15 mg)TabletOralGfr Pharma Ltd.2002-10-202004-06-15Canada flag
A.C.E.S. CapsulesSelenium (.025 mg / cap) + Ascorbic acid (250 mg / cap) + Beta carotene (10000 unit / cap) + Vitamin E (400 unit / cap)CapsuleOralBioforce Canada Inc.1994-12-311997-04-04Canada flag
A.R.T.H. Away FormulaSelenium (1.54 mcg) + Calcium (24 mg) + Cholecalciferol (45 unit) + Copper (0.232 mg) + Folic acid (0.025 mg) + Manganese (0.58 mg) + Pyridoxine hydrochloride (0.5 mg) + Zinc (0.63 mg)CapsuleOralAbundance Naturally Ltd1999-02-012006-06-16Canada flag
A/o-26 - CapletSelenium (100 mcg) + Beta carotene (7500 unit) + Calcium (75 mg) + Calcium ascorbate (250 mg) + Copper (1 mg) + DL-alpha tocopheryl acetate (100 unit) + Folic acid (.4 mg) + Manganese (2.5 mg) + Racemethionine (50 mg) + Zinc (7.5 mg)TabletOralEnviro Tech International Canada1996-12-191999-07-26Canada flag
Unapproved/Other Products
NameIngredientsDosageRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
Folet DHASelenium (65 ug/1) + Ascorbic acid (120 mg/1) + Beta carotene (2700 [iU]/1) + Cholecalciferol (400 [iU]/1) + Cyanocobalamin (12 ug/1) + D-alpha-Tocopherol acetate (18 [iU]/1) + Doconexent (350 mg/1) + Docusate sodium (50 mg/1) + Ferrous bisglycinate (38 mg/1) + Folic acid (1 mg/1) + Magnesium oxide (30 mg/1) + Nicotinamide (20 mg/1) + Pyridoxine hydrochloride (40 mg/1) + Riboflavin (3.4 mg/1) + Thiamine hydrochloride (3 mg/1) + Zinc glycinate (10 mg/1)Capsule, liquid filled; Kit; TabletOralPronova Corporation2014-08-282017-03-15US flag
FoliflexSelenium (30 ug/1) + Ascorbic acid (250 mg/1) + Biotin (100 ug/1) + Boron (25 ug/1) + Calcium carbonate (75 mg/1) + Cholecalciferol (13.75 ug/1) + Chromium nicotinate (37.5 ug/1) + Cupric oxide (1 mg/1) + Cyanocobalamin (13 ug/1) + DL-alpha tocopheryl acetate (45 mg/1) + Ferrous fumarate (9 mg/1) + Folic acid (500 ug/1) + Magnesium oxide (37.5 mg/1) + Manganese sulfate (0.75 mg/1) + Molybdenum (25 ug/1) + Nicotinamide (22.5 mg/1) + Pantothenic acid (15 mg/1) + Potassium Iodide (25 ug/1) + Potassium chloride (24.5 mg/1) + Pyridoxine hydrochloride (6 mg/1) + Riboflavin (3.35 mg/1) + Thiamine mononitrate (3.25 mg/1) + Vitamin A acetate (1500 ug/1) + Zinc oxide (15 mg/1)TabletOralPureTek Corporation2021-10-25Not applicableUS flag
Folitin-ZSelenium (30 ug/1) + Ascorbic acid (250 mg/1) + Biotin (100 ug/1) + Boron (25 ug/1) + Calcium carbonate (75 mg/1) + Cholecalciferol (13.75 ug/1) + Chromium nicotinate (37.5 ug/1) + Cupric oxide (1 mg/1) + Cyanocobalamin (13 ug/1) + DL-alpha tocopheryl acetate (45 mg/1) + Ferrous fumarate (9 mg/1) + Folic acid (500 ug/1) + Magnesium oxide (37.5 mg/1) + Manganese sulfate (0.75 mg/1) + Molybdenum (25 ug/1) + Nicotinamide (22.5 mg/1) + Pantothenic acid (15 mg/1) + Potassium Iodide (25 ug/1) + Potassium chloride (24.5 mg/1) + Pyridoxine hydrochloride (6 mg/1) + Riboflavin (3.35 mg/1) + Thiamine mononitrate (3.25 mg/1) + Vitamin A acetate (1500 ug/1) + Zinc oxide (15 mg/1)TabletOralPureTek Corporation2021-02-11Not applicableUS flag
KeylosaSelenium (55 ug/1) + Ascorbic acid (120 mg/1) + Calcium carbonate (200 mg/1) + Cholecalciferol (20 ug/1) + Chromium (35 ug/1) + Cyanocobalamin (8 ug/1) + Ferrous fumarate (27 mg/1) + Folic acid (1000 ug/1) + Magnesium oxide (200 mg/1) + Manganese sulfate (23 mg/1) + Molybdenum (45 ug/1) + Nicotinamide (20 mg/1) + Pyridoxine (20 mg/1) + Riboflavin (3.4 mg/1) + Thiamine mononitrate (3 mg/1) + Vitamin A (1500 ug/1) + Vitamin E (30 mg/1) + Zinc oxide (25 mg/1)Capsule, coatedOralNovian Pharmaceuticals2023-10-06Not applicableUS flag
MultitamSelenium (55 ug/1) + Ascorbic acid (120 mg/1) + Calcium carbonate (200 mg/1) + Cholecalciferol (20 ug/1) + Chromium nicotinate (35 ug/1) + Cyanocobalamin (8 ug/1) + DL-alpha tocopheryl acetate (30 mg/1) + Folic acid (1000 ug/1) + Magnesium oxide (200 mg/1) + Manganese sulfate (2.3 mg/1) + Molybdenum (45 ug/1) + Nicotinamide (20 mg/1) + Pyridoxine hydrochloride (20 mg/1) + Riboflavin (3.4 mg/1) + Thiamine mononitrate (3 mg/1) + Vitamin A acetate (1500 ug/1) + Zinc oxide (25 mg/1)TabletOralPureTek Corporation2022-01-17Not applicableUS flag

Categories

Drug Categories
Chemical TaxonomyProvided by Classyfire
Description
This compound belongs to the class of inorganic compounds known as homogeneous other non-metal compounds. These are inorganic non-metallic compounds in which the largest atom belongs to the class of 'other non-metals'.
Kingdom
Inorganic compounds
Super Class
Homogeneous non-metal compounds
Class
Homogeneous other non-metal compounds
Sub Class
Not Available
Direct Parent
Homogeneous other non-metal compounds
Alternative Parents
Not Available
Substituents
Homogeneous other non metal
Molecular Framework
Not Available
External Descriptors
nonmetal atom, chalcogen (CHEBI:27568)
Affected organisms
Not Available

Chemical Identifiers

UNII
H6241UJ22B
CAS number
7782-49-2
InChI Key
BUGBHKTXTAQXES-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/Se
IUPAC Name
selenium
SMILES
[Se]

References

General References
  1. Ganther HE: Selenium metabolism, selenoproteins and mechanisms of cancer prevention: complexities with thioredoxin reductase. Carcinogenesis. 1999 Sep;20(9):1657-66. [Article]
  2. Brenneisen P, Steinbrenner H, Sies H: Selenium, oxidative stress, and health aspects. Mol Aspects Med. 2005 Aug-Oct;26(4-5):256-67. [Article]
  3. Zhang H, Luo Y, Zhang W, He Y, Dai S, Zhang R, Huang Y, Bernatchez P, Giordano FJ, Shadel G, Sessa WC, Min W: Endothelial-specific expression of mitochondrial thioredoxin improves endothelial cell function and reduces atherosclerotic lesions. Am J Pathol. 2007 Mar;170(3):1108-20. [Article]
  4. Broome CS, McArdle F, Kyle JA, Andrews F, Lowe NM, Hart CA, Arthur JR, Jackson MJ: An increase in selenium intake improves immune function and poliovirus handling in adults with marginal selenium status. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Jul;80(1):154-62. [Article]
  5. Lippman SM, Goodman PJ, Klein EA, Parnes HL, Thompson IM Jr, Kristal AR, Santella RM, Probstfield JL, Moinpour CM, Albanes D, Taylor PR, Minasian LM, Hoque A, Thomas SM, Crowley JJ, Gaziano JM, Stanford JL, Cook ED, Fleshner NE, Lieber MM, Walther PJ, Khuri FR, Karp DD, Schwartz GG, Ford LG, Coltman CA Jr: Designing the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT). J Natl Cancer Inst. 2005 Jan 19;97(2):94-102. [Article]
  6. Suzuki KT, Kurasaki K, Okazaki N, Ogra Y: Selenosugar and trimethylselenonium among urinary Se metabolites: dose- and age-related changes. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2005 Aug 1;206(1):1-8. Epub 2004 Dec 8. [Article]
  7. Tinggi U: Selenium: its role as antioxidant in human health. Environ Health Prev Med. 2008 Mar;13(2):102-8. doi: 10.1007/s12199-007-0019-4. Epub 2008 Feb 28. [Article]
  8. Bugel S, Larsen EH, Sloth JJ, Flytlie K, Overvad K, Steenberg LC, Moesgaard S: Absorption, excretion, and retention of selenium from a high selenium yeast in men with a high intake of selenium. Food Nutr Res. 2008;52. doi: 10.3402/fnr.v52i0.1642. Epub 2008 Feb 12. [Article]
KEGG Compound
C01529
PubChem Compound
6326970
PubChem Substance
347827913
ChemSpider
4885617
RxNav
9641
ChEBI
27568
Wikipedia
Selenium
FDA label
Download (150 KB)
MSDS
Download (110 KB)

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials
PhaseStatusPurposeConditionsCount
4CompletedPreventionAnti Oxidative Stress / End Stage Renal Disease, Requiring Dialysis1
4CompletedPreventionCardiovascular Disease (CVD) / Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)1
4CompletedPreventionKidney Stones1
4CompletedTreatmentPeripartum Cardiomyopathy1
4CompletedTreatmentStatin Therapy1

Pharmacoeconomics

Manufacturers
Not Available
Packagers
Not Available
Dosage Forms
FormRouteStrength
Injection, solution, concentrateIntravenous
Tablet, film coatedOral
Tablet, extended releaseOral
Capsule, liquid filled; kit; tabletOral
Tablet, delayed releaseOral
TabletOral
TabletOral50 mcg
PowderOral
Capsule, gelatin coatedOral
LiquidOral
SolutionIntravenous
TabletOral
CapsuleOral
Tablet, effervescentOral
SolutionParenteral40.000 mcg
SolutionIntravenous; Oral200 µg/5ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous
SolutionOral
Injection, solutionIntravenous40 ug/1mL
Injection, solutionIntravenous6 ug/1mL
Injection, solutionIntravenous60 ug/1mL
CapsuleOral200 mcg / cap
CapsuleOral100 mcg / cap
TabletOral200 mcg
CapsuleOral
TabletOral50 mcg / tab
Tablet, extended releaseOral50 mcg / tab
TabletOral200 mcg / tab
TabletOral100 mcg
CapsuleOral200 mcg
Injection, solutionIntramuscular; Intravenous100 MCG
Injection, solutionIntramuscular; Intravenous500 MCG
SolutionOral100 MCG
SolutionOral500 MCG
Tablet, coatedOral
Capsule, liquid filledOral
Powder, for solutionOral
Capsule, coatedOral
KitOral
TabletOral60 mcg
Prices
Not Available
Patents
Not Available

Properties

State
Solid
Experimental Properties
PropertyValueSource
melting point (°C)217MSDS
boiling point (°C)684.9MSDS
water solubilityInsolubleMSDS
logP5MSDS
Predicted Properties
PropertyValueSource
logP0.15Chemaxon
Physiological Charge0Chemaxon
Hydrogen Acceptor Count1Chemaxon
Hydrogen Donor Count0Chemaxon
Polar Surface Area0 Å2Chemaxon
Rotatable Bond Count0Chemaxon
Refractivity13.11 m3·mol-1Chemaxon
Polarizability1.78 Å3Chemaxon
Number of Rings0Chemaxon
Bioavailability1Chemaxon
Rule of FiveYesChemaxon
Ghose FilterNoChemaxon
Veber's RuleYesChemaxon
MDDR-like RuleNoChemaxon
Predicted ADMET Features
Not Available

Spectra

Mass Spec (NIST)
Not Available
Spectra
Not Available
Chromatographic Properties
Collision Cross Sections (CCS)
AdductCCS Value (Å2)Source typeSource
[M-H]-110.812
predicted
DeepCCS 1.0 (2019)
[M+H]+112.57921
predicted
DeepCCS 1.0 (2019)
[M+Na]+119.39906
predicted
DeepCCS 1.0 (2019)

Enzymes

Kind
Protein
Organism
Humans
Pharmacological action
No
Actions
Substrate
General Function
Transferase activity
Specific Function
Catalyzes the decomposition of L-selenocysteine to L-alanine and elemental selenium.
Gene Name
SCLY
Uniprot ID
Q96I15
Uniprot Name
Selenocysteine lyase
Molecular Weight
48148.45 Da
References
  1. Ganther HE: Selenium metabolism, selenoproteins and mechanisms of cancer prevention: complexities with thioredoxin reductase. Carcinogenesis. 1999 Sep;20(9):1657-66. [Article]
Kind
Protein
Organism
Humans
Pharmacological action
No
Actions
Substrate
General Function
Nadp binding
Specific Function
Maintains high levels of reduced glutathione in the cytosol.
Gene Name
GSR
Uniprot ID
P00390
Uniprot Name
Glutathione reductase, mitochondrial
Molecular Weight
56256.565 Da
References
  1. Ganther HE: Selenium metabolism, selenoproteins and mechanisms of cancer prevention: complexities with thioredoxin reductase. Carcinogenesis. 1999 Sep;20(9):1657-66. [Article]
Kind
Protein
Organism
Humans
Pharmacological action
No
Actions
Substrate
General Function
Thioredoxin-disulfide reductase activity
Specific Function
Isoform 1 may possess glutaredoxin activity as well as thioredoxin reductase activity and induces actin and tubulin polymerization, leading to formation of cell membrane protrusions. Isoform 4 enha...
Gene Name
TXNRD1
Uniprot ID
Q16881
Uniprot Name
Thioredoxin reductase 1, cytoplasmic
Molecular Weight
70905.58 Da
References
  1. Ganther HE: Selenium metabolism, selenoproteins and mechanisms of cancer prevention: complexities with thioredoxin reductase. Carcinogenesis. 1999 Sep;20(9):1657-66. [Article]

Drug created at December 03, 2015 16:51 / Updated at March 29, 2024 03:23