Related Terms

• C2H6OS, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl sulphoxide, dimethylis sulfoxidum, methyl sulphoxide, NSC-763, SQ-9453, Rimso-50®, sulphinybismethane.

Background

• Dimethyl sulfoxide (C2H6OS), or DMSO, is a sulfur-containing organic compound. DMSO occurs naturally in vegetables, fruits, grains, and animal products. DMSO was first synthesized in 1866 as a byproduct of paper manufacturing. Therapeutic interest began in 1963. DMSO was reported to penetrate through the skin and produce analgesia, decrease pain, and promote tissue healing. DMSO is available for both non-medicinal and medicinal uses. The major clinical use of DMSO is to relieve symptoms of interstitial cystitis.

• Potential toxic effects to the lens of the eye have been reported in animals but no effects have been noted in humans. Topical application has been associated with redness and inflammation of skin, and a garlic-like taste and odor on the breath have been reported.

• DMSO has been used to treat amyloidosis, diabetic ulcers, extravasation, erosive gastritis, and ischemia prevention in surgical flaps, but well designed clinical trials are lacking. Because of the limited scientific evidence, whether DMSO provides effective treatment of patients with closed head trauma, herpes zoster, tendopathies, and complex regional pain syndrome will require more research.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Acute herpes infection, Alzheimer's disease, burns, cancer, closed head trauma, colitis, complex regional pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, gallstones, high cholesterol, muscle pain, pancreatitis, schizophrenia, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), tuberculosis.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

• Administering DMSO in the bladder (intravesically) is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for interstitial cystitis when given by a qualified healthcare professional.

• There is no proven effective dose for DMSO for other conditions. DMSO has been taken by mouth in doses between 7 and 15 grams per day. Various solutions ranging from 10-100% DMSO have been applied on the skin. DMSO creams and gels have also been used.

Children (younger than 18 years)

• There is not enough scientific information available to recommend the safe use of DMSO in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to DMSO should avoid its use.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Skin reactions are the most common side effects with topical (applied to the skin) administration and are usually reversible after discontinuing the drug. Erythema (reddening of the skin), pruritus (itching), burning, drying, scaling, blistering, dermatitis, and wheals have been reported. Cases of headache, dizziness, sedation, and agitation have also been reported. Encephalopathy, stroke, and heart attack have been reported after DMSO was used in stem cell transplantations.

• Cautious use is advised in patients with urinary tract malignancies and with hepatic (liver) and renal (kidney) dysfunction. One clinical trial reported increased urgency, dysuria (difficult or painful urination), hematuria (blood in the urine), and red urine discoloration.

• Cases of nausea, vomiting, constipation, halitosis (bad breath), garlic taste, and diarrhea have been reported. Other adverse effects that have been reported include anorexia, influenza-like symptoms, facial flushing from intravenous administration, and low blood pressure resulting from topical use. Negative effects on blood cell counts like eosinophilia and hemolysis have been reported to result from intravenous (into the vein) administration. Based on one case report, seizure occurred following a dimethylsulfoxide-preserved stem cell infusion.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Not recommended due to lack of sufficient available data.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Using DMSO with sulindac (Clinoril®) may cause peripheral neuropathy. Animal studies have reported that the action of sulindac may be decreased by DMSO. Although human data is lacking, this drug combination should be avoided.

Interactions with Herbs and Supplements

• Insufficient available information.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

1. Barker SB, Matthews PN, Philip PF, et al. Prospective study of intravesical dimethyl sulphoxide in the treatment of chronic inflammatory bladder disease. Br J Urol 1987;59(2):142-144. View Abstract

2. Bauwens D, Hantson P, Laterre PF, et al. Recurrent seizure and sustained encephalopathy associated with dimethylsulfoxide-preserved stem cell infusion. Leuk Lymphoma 2005 Nov;46(11):1671-4. View Abstract

3. Bertelli G, Gozza A, Forno GB, et al. Topical dimethylsulfoxide for the prevention of soft tissue injury after extravasation of vesicant cytotoxic drugs: a prospective clinical study. J Clin Oncol 1995;13(11):2851-2855. View Abstract

4. Chen-Plotkin AS, Vossel KA, Samuels MA, et al. Encephalopathy, stroke, and myocardial infarction with DMSO use in stem cell transplantation. Neurology 2007 Mar 13;68(11):859-61.View Abstract

5. Dawson TE, Jamison J. Intravesical treatments for painful bladder syndrome/ interstitial cystitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007 Oct 17;(4):CD006113. View Abstract

6. Demir E, Kilciler M, Bedir S, et al. Comparing two local anesthesia techniques for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Urology 2007 Apr;69(4):625-8. View Abstract

7. Duimel-Peeters IG, J G Halfens R, Ambergen AW, et al. The effectiveness of massage with and without dimethyl sulfoxide in preventing pressure ulcers: a randomized, double-blind cross-over trial in patients prone to pressure ulcers. Int J Nurs Stud 2007 Nov;44(8):1285-95. View Abstract

8. Karaca M, Bilgin UY, Akar M, et al. Dimethly sulphoxide lowers ICP after closed head trauma. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1991;40(1):113-114. View Abstract

9. Kingery WS. A critical review of controlled clinical trials for peripheral neuropathic pain and complex regional pain syndromes. Pain 1997;73(2):123-139. View Abstract

10. Kneer W, Kuhnau S, Bias P, et al. [Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) gel in treatment of acute tendopathies. A multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized study]. Fortschr Med 1994;112(10):142-146. View Abstract

11. Olver IN, Aisner J, Hament A, et al. A prospective study of topical dimethyl sulfoxide for treating anthracycline extravasation. J Clin Oncol 1988;6(11):1732-1735. View Abstract

12. Ozkaya-Bayazit E, Kavak A, Gungor H, et al. Intermittent use of topical dimethyl sulfoxide in macular and papular amyloidosis. Int J Dermatol 1998;37(12):949-954. View Abstract

13. Rademaker-Lakhai JM, van den BD, Pluim D, et al. A Phase I and pharmacological study with imidazolium-trans-DMSO-imidazole-tetrachlororuthenate, a novel ruthenium anticancer agent. Clin Cancer Res 2004;10(11):3717-3727. View Abstract

14. Takeda T, Kozakai N, Ikeuchi K. Localized amyloidosis of the bladder treated effectively by occlusive dressing technique therapy using Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO): two case reports] ippon Hinyokika Gakkai Zasshi 2005 Nov;96(7):705-8. View Abstract

15. Zuurmond WW, Langendijk PN, Bezemer PD, et al. Treatment of acute reflex sympathetic dystrophy with DMSO 50% in a fatty cream. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 1996;40(3):364-367. View Abstract