Dmso solution use: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews
Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews
Overview
Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is a chemical that dissolves many organic and inorganic substances. It’s available as a prescription drug and dietary supplement.
DMSO helps medicines get through the skin and can affect proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and water in the body.
People use DMSO for bladderinflammation (interstitial cystitis), limb pain that usually occurs after an injury, and leakage of an IV drug from the vein into surrounding skin and tissue. It is also used for osteoarthritis, bed sores, stomach ulcers, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses.
Don’t confuse DMSO with Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). These are not the same.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Effective for
- Painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis). DMSO is an FDA-approved product for the treatment of this condition.
Washing the bladder with DMSO improves some symptoms, such as pain.
Washing the bladder with DMSO improves some symptoms, such as pain.Possibly Effective for
- Limb pain that usually occurs after an injury (complex regional pain syndrome). Applying DMSO cream to the skin seems to improve pain in people with this condition.
- Leakage of intravenous (IV) drug from the vein into surrounding skin and tissue (extravasation). Some chemotherapy drugs can cause skin and tissue damage if they leak from the vein. Applying DMSO to the skin might prevent further damage if this happens.
Possibly Ineffective for
- Hardening of skin and connective tissue (scleroderma). Applying DMSO to the skin doesn’t help treat symptoms of scleroderma.
There is interest in using DMSO for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if DMSO is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: Non-prescription DMSO is possibly unsafe. Some non-prescription DMSO products might be industrial grade. These aren’t intended for human use and can contain impurities that can cause health issues. DMSO is easily absorbed through the skin, so it can carry these impurities into the body. Side effects might include blistering and burning.
When applied inside the bladder: Prescription DMSO is likely safe. Don’t use DMSO products that are not prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if DMSO is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: Non-prescription DMSO is possibly unsafe. Some non-prescription DMSO products might be industrial grade. These aren’t intended for human use and can contain impurities that can cause health issues. DMSO is easily absorbed through the skin, so it can carry these impurities into the body.
Side effects might include blistering and burning.
When applied inside the bladder: Prescription DMSO is likely safe. Don’t use DMSO products that are not prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if DMSO is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Certain blood disorders. Injecting DMSO by IV might cause red blood cells to break down. This might be a problem for people with certain blood disorders. DMSO might make these conditions worse.
Kidney problems: DMSO might harm the kidneys. Check with a healthcare provider before using DMSO if you have kidney problems.
Liver problems: DMSO might harm the liver. Check with a healthcare provider before using DMSO if you have liver problems.br/>
Interactions ?
DMSO can sometimes increase how much medicine the body absorbs.
Applying DMSO to the skin, eyes, or ears at the same time as applying medication can increase how much medicine the body absorbs. This might increase the effects and side effects of the medicine.DMSO might slow blood clotting. Taking DMSO along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Using DMSO with sulindac might reduce how well sulindac works to treat pain. There is also a concern that using DMSO with sulindac can increase the risk for nerve pain.
DMSO can increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Some medications that are used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions, also increase acetylcholine levels. Taking DMSO with these medications might increase the chance of side effects.
Using DMSO with verteporfin might reduce how well verteporfin works.
Using DMSO to dissolve platinum agents onto the skin might reduce how well these drugs work to treat cancer. Examples of platinum agents include carboplatin, cisplatin, and oxaliplatin.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Applying DMSO to the skin, eyes, or ears at the same time as applying medication can increase how much medicine the body absorbs. This might increase the effects and side effects of the medicine.
Dosing
DMSO has most often been applied to the skin by adults in various forms, including creams, gels, and solutions. It is also applied inside the bladder. DMSO is available as a prescription and in dietary supplements. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.
View References
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD.
You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.
DMSO: Uses and Risks
Written by Joseph Saling
- Why Do People Use DMSO?
- What Are the Risks of Using DMSO?
DMSO, or dimethyl sulfoxide, is a by-product of paper making. It comes from a substance found in wood.
DMSO has been used as an industrial solvent since the mid-1800s. From about the mid-20th century, researchers have explored its use as an anti-inflammatory agent.
The FDA has approved DMSO as a prescription medication for treating symptoms of painful bladder syndrome. It’s also used under medical supervision to treat several other conditions, including shingles.
DMSO is easily absorbed by the skin. It’s sometimes used to increase the body’s absorption of other medications.
DMSO is available without a prescription most often in gel or cream form. It can be purchased in health food stores, by mail order, and on the Internet.
While it can sometimes be found as an oral supplement, its safety is unclear. DMSO is primarily used by applying it to the skin.
DMSO has been used to try to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis. It has also been promoted as an “alternative” cancer treatment.
People have used it to try to treat wounds, burns, and other injuries. People have also used it to try to treat such conditions as:
- Headache
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Eye problems
- Scars
- Scleroderma (disease that causes scar tissue to form in the skin)
Other than its use as a prescription medicine, there is little or no scientific evidence to support other claims made about DMSO’s effectiveness.
The American Cancer Society says there is no evidence to support the use of DMSO to treat cancer. Using it that way could cause serious delays in getting proper and effective treatment.
A recent analysis of studies on the use of DMSO to relieve osteoarthritis pain found that it was not significantly more effective than placebo in relieving joint pain.
There are no studies that provide guidelines for determining the proper dose of DMSO. The gel used to treat osteoarthritis typically has a concentration of 25%. It is applied three or four times a day. But DMSO sold without a prescription can range from 10% concentration to 90%.
Some DMSO on the market may actually be industrial grade. Industrial grade DMSO may contain a number of impurities that can easily be absorbed into the skin with potentially serious health effects.
The most frequent side effects from using DMSO on the skin include:
- Stomach upset
- Skin irritation
- Strong odor of garlic
More serious side effects include:
- Severe allergic reactions
- Headaches
- Itching and burning when applied to the skin
DMSO can also cause a deadly reaction when used in high concentrations.
Using DMSO by mouth can cause:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
DMSO can increase the effect of some medicines, which can lead to serious health issues. Examples of such medicines include:
- Blood thinners
- Steroids
- Sedatives
The biggest concern of DMSO as a solvent is that when it gets on the skin it will cause anything on the skin to be absorbed. So be sure to wash your hands and skin well before using.
Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding should not use DMSO, since little is known about its possible effects on the fetus or infant.
You should also not use DMSO without talking to your doctor if you have:
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Liver and kidney conditions
Always keep in mind that supplements are not regulated by the FDA the same was as drugs are. The manufacturer does not have to prove that a supplement is safe or effective before selling.
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Adult Medication
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Provided by Lexicomp ® , this document contains all the information you need to know about this medicine, including indications, directions for use, side effects, and when your healthcare provider should be contacted.
Trade names: USA
Rimso-50
Trade names: Canada
Rimso-50
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and reduce bladder irritation.
- If you have been taking this drug for any other reason, ask your doctor about the benefits and risks. If you have questions or concerns about using this drug, talk with your doctor.
What should I tell my doctor BEFORE taking this drug?
- If you have an allergy to this drug, any of its ingredients, other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor about your allergies and how they have manifested.
Combining this drug with certain drugs and conditions may be unfavorable.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you take (prescription and over-the-counter, natural products and vitamins) and any health problems you have. You need to make sure that this drug is safe for your conditions and in combination with other drugs you are already taking. Do not start or stop taking any drug or change the dosage without your doctor’s advice.
What do I need to know or do while taking this drug?
- Tell all your health care workers that you are taking this drug. These are doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists.
- Get a blood test and an eye exam as directed by your doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The benefits and risks for you and your child will need to be discussed.
These are doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists.What side effects should I report to my doctor immediately?
WARNING. In rare cases, this drug can cause serious and sometimes deadly side effects in some patients. Contact your doctor or seek medical attention right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be associated with serious side effects:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red and swollen skin with blisters or peeling, possibly accompanied by fever, wheezing or wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, unusual hoarseness, swelling in the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat.
- Vision changes, eye pain or severe eye irritation.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
Any medicine can have side effects. However, for many people, side effects are either minor or non-existent. Contact your doctor or seek medical attention if these or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Irritation at the site of application of the drug.
- When taking this drug, the skin and breath acquired a smell reminiscent of garlic. The odor may persist for up to 72 hours after using this drug.
This list of possible side effects is not exhaustive. If you have any questions about side effects, please contact your doctor. Talk to your doctor about side effects.
You can report side effects to the National Health Board.
You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You can also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
What is the best way to take this drug?
Use this drug as directed by your doctor.
Read all the information provided to you. Strictly follow all instructions.
- The drug is injected through a catheter into the bladder.
- You need to urinate after taking this drug. This helps to remove the drug from the bladder. Drink large amounts of decaffeinated fluids during or immediately after taking this drug, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Continue drinking fluids as directed by your doctor.
What if I miss a dose of a drug?
- See your doctor for further instructions.
How do I store and/or discard this drug?
- If you need to store this drug at home, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for storage conditions.
General information about medicines
- If your health does not improve or even worsens, see your doctor.
- Do not give your medicine to anyone and do not take other people’s medicines.
- Keep all medicines in a safe place. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.
- Dispose of unused or expired drugs. Do not empty into a toilet or sewer unless instructed to do so. If you have any questions about disposing of medicines, ask your pharmacist. Drug disposal programs may be in place in your area.
- Some medicines may come with other patient information leaflets. If you have any questions about this drug, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
- Some medicines may come with other patient information leaflets. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
- If you think you have overdosed, call a poison control center or get medical help right away. Be prepared to tell or show what drug you took, how much, and when it happened.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.Consumer Use of Information and Limitation of Liability
This summary information includes a summary of the diagnosis, treatment, and/or drug product.
It is not intended to be a comprehensive source of data and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or evaluate potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a particular patient. It should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a physician based on a medical examination and assessment of the patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients should consult with their physician for full information about their health, medical issues, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding the use of medications. This information is not a guarantee that a treatment or drug is safe, effective, or approved for a particular patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its subsidiaries disclaim any warranties or liabilities related to this information or its use. The use of this information is subject to the Terms of Use found at https://www.
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Last revision date
2021-06-25
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© UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors, 2023. All rights reserved.
Date last updated
Monday, December 12, 2022
Rec.INN Included in preparations: Pharmacological action Anti-inflammatory agent for external use. The mechanism of action is associated with the inactivation of hydroxyl radicals and the improvement of metabolic processes in the focus of inflammation, a decrease in the rate of conduction of excitatory impulses in peripheral neurons. PharmacokineticsWhen a solution of dimethyl sulfoxide is applied to the skin, it is detected in the blood after 5 minutes, C max is reached after 4-6 hours, maintaining an almost unchanged level for 1.5-3 days. Dimethyl sulfoxide is excreted in the urine and feces, both unchanged and as dimethyl sulfone. Indications of the active substance |
It has a local anesthetic, local anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial effect; has some fibrinolytic activity. Penetrates through the skin and other biological membranes, increases their permeability to drugs.
| A46 | erysipelas |
| B35.3 | Foot mycosis |
| I80 | Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis |
| L02 | Skin abscess, furuncle and carbuncle |
| L08.0 | Pyoderma |
| L20.8 | Other atopic dermatitis (neurodermatitis, eczema) |
| L30.0 | Coin-shaped eczema |
| L52 | Erythema nodosum |
| L63.9 | Alopecia areata, unspecified |
L64. 9 | Androgenetic alopecia, unspecified |
| L70 | Acne |
| L91.0 | Hypertrophic scar |
| L93.0 | Discoid lupus erythematosus |
| L94.0 | Localized scleroderma [morphea] |
| L98.4 | Chronic skin ulcer, not elsewhere classified |
| M05 | Seropositive rheumatoid arthritis |
| M15 | Polyarthrosis |
| M45 | Ankylosing spondylitis |
| M54.1 | Radiculopathy |
M54. 3 | Sciatica |
| M54.4 | Lumbago with sciatica |
| M65 | Synovitis and tenosynovitis |
| T14.0 | Superficial injury of an unspecified area of the body (incl. abrasion, bruising, contusion, hematoma, non-venomous insect bite) |
| T14.3 | Dislocation, sprain and strain of the capsular-ligamentous apparatus of the joint of an unspecified area of the body |
| T30 | Thermal and chemical burns, unspecified |
| T79.3 | Post-traumatic wound infection, not elsewhere classified |
Dosing regimen
Apply externally.
In the form of applications and irrigations (washings). The concentration of the solution and the solvent is determined depending on the application. The duration of treatment is 10-15 days.
Side effects
Possible: allergic reactions, pruritic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, erythema, dry skin, mild burning, pruritic dermatitis.
Rare: bronchospasm.
Contraindications for use
Hypersensitivity to dimethyl sulfoxide; severe hepatic and / or renal failure, angina pectoris, severe atherosclerosis, glaucoma, cataracts, stroke, coma, myocardial infarction; pregnancy; breastfeeding period; children’s age up to 12 years.
Use in pregnancy and lactation
Dimethyl sulfoxide is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation.
Use in hepatic impairment
Contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment.
Use in impaired renal function
Contraindicated in severe renal impairment.
Use in children
Use in children under 12 years of age is contraindicated.