dimethyl sulfoxide

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

dimethyl sulfoxide can reduce the production of inflammatory molecules such as cytokines and prostaglandins, thereby suppressing inflammation. This action has led to its use in the treatment of inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, sports injuries, and interstitial cystitis. It also exhibits analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. It can block nerve conduction in peripheral sensory nerves, thereby reducing pain signals. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Garlic breath 

Anaphylactoid reaction 

Abnormal body odor 

Pain following administration of agent 

Garlic taste 

Chemical cystitis, transient 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Individuals who have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to dimethyl sulfoxide should avoid its use. 

Caution: 

• Use caution in patients with urinary tract malignancy. 
• Not for intravenous or intramuscular use, it is use intravesicular only. 
• It is recommended to perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying dimethyl sulfoxide extensively. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: C 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

dimethyl sulfoxide possesses antioxidant properties and can scavenge free radicals, which helps protect cells from oxidative stress. It can neutralize reactive oxygen species and prevent cellular damage caused by oxidative processes. 

Pharmacodynamics 

dimethyl sulfoxide can enhance the permeability of cell membranes. It can disrupt the lipid bilayers of biological membranes, allowing for increased penetration of certain molecules.  

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

dimethyl sulfoxide can be well absorbed through various routes, including oral, topical, and parenteral administration. 

Distribution 

dimethyl sulfoxide can distribute widely throughout the body. 

Metabolism 

dimethyl sulfoxide undergoes limited metabolism in the body.  

Elimination and excretion 

The primary route of elimination for dimethyl sulfoxide is through the kidneys.

Adminstartion

Administration 

dimethyl sulfoxide is administered intravesically.  

This involves the instillation of dimethyl sulfoxide directly into the bladder through a catheter. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: dimethyl sulfoxide 

Why do we use dimethyl sulfoxide? 

dimethyl sulfoxide is used for the treatment of interstitial cystitis, a chronic bladder condition characterized by bladder pain and urinary frequency.  dimethyl sulfoxide also used as analgesic to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in conditions such as sprains and strains.