What are the primary uses of dimethyl sulfoxide. How does DMSO affect the human body. What are the potential risks and side effects of using DMSO. Is DMSO approved by the FDA for medical use. Can DMSO be used as an alternative cancer treatment. What precautions should be taken when using DMSO.

Understanding Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO): Origin and Properties

Dimethyl sulfoxide, commonly known as DMSO, is a versatile organic compound with a rich history of industrial and medical applications. Originally a by-product of paper production, DMSO is derived from lignin, a substance found in wood. Its unique properties as a solvent have made it a subject of interest in various fields since the mid-1800s.

DMSO’s most notable characteristic is its ability to penetrate biological membranes easily. This property has led to its exploration in medicine, particularly as a vehicle for drug delivery. But what makes DMSO so effective at penetrating the skin?

• Chemical structure: DMSO’s small, polar molecules can easily pass through cell membranes
• Solvent properties: It can dissolve both polar and non-polar substances
• Low toxicity: Compared to other industrial solvents, DMSO is relatively safe for biological use

FDA-Approved Medical Applications of DMSO

While DMSO has been the subject of numerous studies and claims, its FDA-approved medical uses are limited. The primary FDA-sanctioned application of DMSO is for the treatment of interstitial cystitis, a condition characterized by chronic bladder pain and urinary frequency.

How does DMSO help in treating interstitial cystitis? When instilled into the bladder, DMSO is believed to work through several mechanisms:

• Reducing inflammation of the bladder wall
• Blocking pain signals from the bladder
• Potentially relaxing the bladder muscle

Besides interstitial cystitis, DMSO has shown promise in treating complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a form of chronic pain that typically affects limbs after injury. Topical application of DMSO cream has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating pain associated with CRPS.

Off-Label and Alternative Uses of DMSO

Despite limited FDA approval, DMSO has been used off-label for various conditions. These applications, while popular among some practitioners and patients, often lack robust scientific evidence to support their efficacy.

DMSO in Pain Management

One of the most common off-label uses of DMSO is for pain relief, particularly in cases of osteoarthritis. However, recent analyses of studies have shown that DMSO may not be significantly more effective than placebo in relieving joint pain associated with osteoarthritis.

DMSO as a Potential Cancer Treatment

Claims about DMSO’s efficacy as an alternative cancer treatment have circulated in some circles. However, it’s crucial to note that the American Cancer Society states there is no scientific evidence supporting the use of DMSO in cancer treatment. Relying on DMSO instead of proven cancer therapies could lead to dangerous delays in receiving proper treatment.

Other Reported Uses

DMSO has been used in attempts to treat a wide array of conditions, including:

• Headaches
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Eye problems
• Scar reduction
• Scleroderma
• Wound healing
• Burns

However, it’s important to emphasize that scientific evidence supporting these uses is often limited or non-existent.

DMSO Administration and Dosage Considerations

DMSO is available in various forms, including gels, creams, and liquids. The most common method of administration is topical application to the skin. In some cases, it may be used orally or even intravenously under strict medical supervision.

How should DMSO be applied topically? When used for osteoarthritis, a typical regimen might involve:

• Concentration: 25% DMSO gel
• Frequency: 3-4 times daily
• Duration: As prescribed by a healthcare provider

It’s crucial to note that DMSO concentrations in over-the-counter products can vary widely, ranging from 10% to 90%. This variation highlights the importance of consulting with a healthcare professional before using DMSO, as proper dosing is essential for both efficacy and safety.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of DMSO Use

While DMSO is generally considered safe when used as directed, it can cause a range of side effects, from mild to severe. Understanding these potential risks is crucial for anyone considering DMSO use.

Common Side Effects of Topical DMSO

When applied to the skin, DMSO may cause:

• Skin irritation, including itching and burning
• A strong garlic-like odor (both on the skin and breath)
• Stomach upset

More Serious Adverse Reactions

In some cases, DMSO use can lead to more severe side effects, including:

• Severe allergic reactions
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Drowsiness

In rare cases, high concentrations of DMSO can cause potentially life-threatening reactions. This underscores the importance of using DMSO only under medical supervision and at appropriate concentrations.

DMSO Interactions with Medications and Precautions

DMSO’s ability to enhance the absorption of other substances through the skin can lead to potentially dangerous drug interactions. This property can increase the effects of certain medications, possibly leading to adverse reactions or overdose.

Which medications are known to interact with DMSO? Some examples include:

• Blood thinners (anticoagulants)
• Steroids
• Sedatives

Given these potential interactions, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using DMSO, especially if you’re taking any medications.

Special Precautions

Certain groups should exercise extra caution or avoid DMSO use altogether:

• Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers: The effects of DMSO on fetal development and infants are not well understood
• Individuals with diabetes: DMSO may affect blood sugar levels
• People with liver or kidney conditions: These organs are involved in processing DMSO
• Asthma patients: DMSO may exacerbate respiratory symptoms in some cases

Quality Concerns and Regulatory Status of DMSO Products

The availability of DMSO as an over-the-counter product raises important questions about quality control and safety. Unlike prescription medications, dietary supplements and topical products containing DMSO are not subject to the same rigorous FDA oversight.

What are the potential risks of using unregulated DMSO products? Some concerns include:

• Inconsistent concentrations: Products may not contain the amount of DMSO stated on the label
• Impurities: Some products, especially those labeled as “industrial grade,” may contain harmful contaminants
• Lack of efficacy testing: Claims made by manufacturers may not be supported by scientific evidence

To minimize these risks, it’s advisable to only use DMSO products under the guidance of a healthcare professional and to purchase from reputable sources.

The Future of DMSO Research and Potential Applications

Despite the controversies and limitations surrounding DMSO, research into its potential applications continues. Scientists are exploring new ways to harness DMSO’s unique properties for medical and pharmaceutical purposes.

DMSO in Drug Delivery Systems

One of the most promising areas of DMSO research is its use in enhancing drug delivery. How might DMSO improve medication effectiveness?

• Increased skin penetration: DMSO could help topical medications reach deeper layers of tissue
• Enhanced absorption: It may improve the bioavailability of certain oral medications
• Targeted delivery: DMSO’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier could be useful for neurological treatments

DMSO in Cryopreservation

Another area where DMSO shows potential is in the field of cryopreservation. Its ability to prevent ice crystal formation makes it valuable for preserving biological samples and tissues.

How does DMSO contribute to cryopreservation? It acts as a cryoprotectant by:

• Lowering the freezing point of water
• Reducing cellular damage during the freezing and thawing process
• Helping maintain cellular integrity in frozen samples

This property has implications for various fields, including reproductive medicine, stem cell research, and organ transplantation.

Ongoing Clinical Trials

Researchers continue to investigate DMSO’s potential in treating various conditions. Some areas of ongoing research include:

• Neuroprotection in stroke patients
• Treatment of traumatic brain injury
• Management of inflammatory conditions
• Potential applications in dermatology

While these studies show promise, it’s important to await peer-reviewed results before drawing conclusions about DMSO’s efficacy in these areas.

In conclusion, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) remains a compound of significant interest in both medical and scientific communities. Its unique properties offer potential benefits in various applications, from pain management to drug delivery. However, the limited FDA approval, potential side effects, and quality concerns associated with over-the-counter products underscore the need for caution and medical supervision when using DMSO. As research continues, our understanding of DMSO’s risks and benefits will likely evolve, potentially opening new avenues for its use in medicine and biotechnology. For now, individuals considering DMSO use should consult with healthcare professionals to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and to ensure safe, appropriate use.

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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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.

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 ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

• 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.

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.

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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.

Dimethyl sulfoxide — a unique solvent and medicinal substance

Dimethyl sulfoxide (abbreviated as DMSO) — an organic compound, an aprotic solvent, that is, a solvent that, when decomposed in solution, does not form a free hydrogen ion H + (proton). The substance is a thick liquid, colorless, hygroscopic, with a characteristic odor. The reagent is miscible in any proportions with water, ethyl alcohol, chloroform, benzene. It dissolves well in diethyl ether and acetone.

Dimethyl sulfoxide boils at +189°C, is slightly volatile under normal conditions even when heated, making it a safe and convenient solvent.

It has unique dissolving properties, which is why it is currently widely used in medicine and cosmetology. It easily and quickly (within a few seconds) penetrates intact skin, transferring the active substances of medicinal or cosmetic products dissolved in it into the interior. Thus, it increases the effectiveness of ointments, creams, solutions – dramatically increasing the rate of penetration of active substances through the skin barrier. In addition, DMSO has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and is harmful to many bacteria.

Pure DMSO, on contact with the skin, can cause irritation, therefore, for medicinal purposes, its aqueous solutions of various concentrations are most often used, usually from 10 to 70 percent.

Production of dimethyl sulfoxide

Demand for dimethyl sulfoxide is growing every year as more and more new applications are found for it. On an industrial scale, DMSO is supplied by paper companies, where this reagent is obtained as a by-product.

DMSO Applications

— DMSO is most commonly used as a solvent for organic and inorganic substances. It is used in analytical chemistry and in the chemical industry, in laboratory practice, at home, in biological research.
– In molecular biology when working with DNA sections.
– In microbiological studies using nuclear magnetic resonance, the deuterated form of dimethyl sulfoxide is used.
– The addition of dimethyl sulfoxide to the solution makes it possible to maintain cell cultures, blood, embryos, and other living objects in a viable state at the temperature of liquid nitrogen.
– In the production of electronic boards and devices.
– In everyday life, DMSO effectively removes paint stains, remnants of mounting foam, superglue.
– In medicine as part of external topical agents: anti-inflammatory; painkillers; against bruises and sprains; against ulcers, erysipelatous and purulent wounds; with diseases of the musculoskeletal system; for storing skin grafts. With thrombophlebitis (dissolves blood clots). The trade name is Dimexide. Due to a wide spectrum of action, “Dimexide” is in demand in military field medicine.
– In the military, DMSO is used to enhance the penetrating effect of toxic substances.
– Included in hydraulic fluids, antifreezes.

“PrimeChemicalsGroup”, a chemical reagents store in Moscow, offers to buy dimethyl sulfoxide at a good price, with delivery or pickup. The assortment includes a wide range of other reagents, laboratory equipment and glassware.

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Properties, features, scope

CAS number: 67-68-5

Chemical name and synonyms: Dimethyl sulfoxide, Methyl sulfoxide, Dimethyl (oxide) sulfur, DMSO, Dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO, Methyl sulfoxide.

Physical and chemical properties:

Appearance: colorless transparent oily liquid

Molecular weight, g/mol: 78.13
Density g/cm³: 1.1±0.1
Melting point, °C: 18. 4
Flash point, °C: 87
Boiling point, °C: 189
Decomposition temperature, °C: 150
Vapor density: 2.7 (against air)
Vapor pressure, mm Hg Art.: 0.8±0.3 at 25°C

Description:

The substance was discovered by the Russian chemist Alexander Zaitsev in 1866 during the oxidation of dimethyl sulfide with nitric acid. However, for almost a century, DMSO was practically not used, properties and methods of application were not studied. Recorded use in Russian hospitals during the First World War in the treatment of wounds, fractures and injuries.

In 1958, its properties as an almost ideal solvent became known, which caused a sharp increase in research on DMSO. It has become widely used in medicine, biology, cosmetology, military affairs and many other industries. It easily and quickly (within a few seconds) penetrates intact skin, transferring the active substances of medicinal or cosmetic products dissolved in it into the interior.
Dimethyl sulfoxide is highly soluble in water, miscible with acetone, gasoline, benzene, toluene, acetic acid, dimethylformamide, ethyl alcohol.
Known as a drug called Dimexide.

Recommended storage temperature: 15 – 25 °C.

Application:

– As a cryoconservator
DMSO has the unique ability to dramatically lower the freezing point of water while maintaining the viability of most types of tissues and cells. It is integrated into the cell medium in order to minimize cell damage during freezing. 10% DMSO solution is used for safe cooling of cells and for their preservation at liquid nitrogen temperature. DMSO has become widely used in cryopreservation media for stem cells derived from human cord blood and reproductive tissue.

– As a solvent
Since DMSO is capable of dissolving a large amount of polymers, it is used in the casting of polymer films and fibers used in the production of cleaning membranes. With the help of DMSO, polyurethane and polyester residues from the manufacture of parts are cleaned.

Dimethyl sulfoxide is used as a solvent in chemical reactions involving inorganic salts, in particular in nucleophilic substitution reactions. Since DMSO has weak acidic properties, it is used as a solvent in the chemistry of carboanions.

Due to its high boiling point, DMSO evaporates very slowly at normal atmospheric pressure. Therefore, it is good to use it as a solvent for carrying out reactions when heated.

DMSO is safer and more effective than gasoline or dichloromethane as a paint stain remover. Along with nitromethane, DMSO is able to remove “super glue” (hardened, but still fresh) and uncured polyurethane foam.

Able to dissolve sludge, carbon deposits, varnishes formed during the decomposition of engine oil inside internal combustion engines. Why DMSO is added to the oil and directly into the combustion chamber. The flushing is so effective that it is possible to completely free the stuck piston rings and clean the oil drain holes in the pistons. But at the same time, the paint and varnish coatings of engine parts can also dissolve, with subsequent ingress of coating flakes into the oil lines.

– Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics
On average, in 7 seconds it is able to penetrate the skin barrier, carrying along with it the dissolved active substances of cosmetics or medicines. Due to such a sharp increase in the rate of penetration through the skin into the body, DMSO enhances the effect of creams, ointments and solutions.

– Medical
Used for inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory action is based on the mechanism of inactivation of hydroxyl radicals and improvement of metabolic processes in the focus of inflammation, inhibition of the conduction of nociceptive impulses in peripheral neurons, as well as antagonism against the vascular effects of histamine, bradykinin and prostaglandin E1.

The drug has a moderate antiseptic and fibrinolytic effect.

– Crop production
DMSO also increases the permeability of the cell barrier in plants. Therefore, the substance is used in the manufacture of solutions for feeding and protecting plants. In addition, DMSO acts as a natural source of organic sulfur for plants. DMSO is not toxic to plants and does not accumulate in their tissues.
The use of mixtures with dimethyl sulfoxide can increase the frost and drought resistance of plants up to 30%.

– Leather industry
DMSO significantly increases the permeability of water through the leather tissue. The rate of water penetration through the stratum corneum when using dimethyl sulfoxide in solution increases 125 times. The use of DMSO in the tanning process improves the quality of the tanned leather, reduces the tanning time and reduces the concentration of chromium oxide in the spent tanning solution. Leathers tanned with chrome tanning using DMSO have higher physical, mechanical and hygienic characteristics.

– Biology
Used in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to inhibit the pairing of parent DNA molecules. It is added to the PCR mixture before starting the reaction. The substance affects the complementary sections of DNA, preventing their pairing and reducing the number of side processes.

– Military
Enhances the damaging effect of chemical weapons. One drop of VX toxin mixed with DMSO (i.e., a lower dose) causes the death of a test animal twice as fast as a drop of a pure poisonous substance. Adding 10% DMSO solution to mustard gas doubles the depth of mustard skin lesions.

Receive:

On an industrial scale, DMSO is supplied by paper companies, where this reagent is obtained as a by-product in the sulfate method of wood delignization. Dimethyl sulfoxide is obtained industrially from dimethyl sulfide by oxidation with oxygen, nitric acid or nitrogen dioxide.

Action on the body:

Non-irritant to eyes and skin, skin allergen. But since DMSO is a substance that easily penetrates the protective skin barrier, while passing through it the components dissolved in it, it is the components of solutions in which DMSO is used as a solvent that are dangerous.

Therefore, when working with DMSO as a solvent, it is necessary to protect the skin with chemical protection gloves. Ordinary household gloves do not protect against the penetration of dimethyl sulfoxide. It is recommended to use gloves made of butyl rubber, fluoroelastomer, neoprene with a material thickness of more than 0.3 mm, or latex with a material thickness of more than 0.4 mm.

When DMSO is used for medical purposes, a dilution of 10 to 70 percent is used, as DMSO in its pure form may cause irritation to the skin. Dimethyl sulfoxide has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and is harmful to many bacteria.

DMSO enhances the effects of blood thinners, steroids, heart drugs, sedatives and other drugs. In some cases, this can be harmful or dangerous.