Selenious Acid
Selenious acid is a selenium supplement that provides an essential trace mineral for the synthesis of selenoproteins, which are critical for antioxidant defense, thyroid hormone metabolism, and cellular function. Once administered, selenious acid is converted to hydrogen selenide in the body, which serves as a selenium pool for the formation of proteins including glutathione peroxidase, iodothyronine deiodinase, and peroxidases. It is typically used to treat or prevent selenium deficiency states.
Selenious acid is a selenium supplement converted in the body to form selenoproteins essential for antioxidant protection and thyroid function.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 36344
- Generic
- Selenious Acid
- Class
- unclassified
- Brands
- Multitrace-5, Multrys, Tralement
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment and prevention of selenium deficiency, which may occur in patients receiving long-term parenteral nutrition, those with malabsorption syndromes, or individuals with increased selenium requirements due to illness or metabolic stress.
Selenious acid undergoes reduction via glutathione-dependent electron transfer pathways to form hydrogen selenide. This intermediate serves as the active selenium donor for the post-translational synthesis of selenoproteins, which play key roles in antioxidant defense, thyroid hormone conversion, and cellular redox homeostasis.
Selenium has a narrow therapeutic index; both deficiency and excess can cause adverse effects. Toxicity symptoms include gastrointestinal disturbances, garlic breath odor, hair loss, and neurological abnormalities. Dosing should be carefully monitored, particularly in patients with renal impairment, as selenium is primarily excreted by the kidneys. Avoid administering with methionine-free parenteral nutrition solutions as selenious acid may degrade.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy