Products
Dimethyl sulfoxide is approved as a drug in many countries and is sold exclusively in combination with other active ingredients. They are sprays, gels and creams. DMSO ointment 50% is produced in pharmacies. The pure substance is available in pharmacies and drugstores. Medicines for ingestion are not released. The metabolite MSM is available as an oral dietary supplement (see there).
Structure and properties
Dimethyl sulfoxide (C2H6OS, Mr = 78.1 g/mol) exists as a colorless and odorless liquid or as colorless crystals. It is hygroscopic and miscible with water. DMSO should be stored in a glass container, tightly closed and protected from light. The melting point is about 18 °C, i.e. within room temperature. Pure DMSO should not come into contact with the eyes and with the skin.
Effects
Dimethyl sulfoxide (ATC M02AX03) has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, vasodilator, wound-healing, and antimicrobial properties. It increases the absorption of other active ingredients into the skin and is therefore also used as a penetration enhancer. Dimethyl sulfoxide can increase the release of histamine. Dimethyl sulfoxide is metabolized in the body to dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl sulfone (DMSO2). DMS is exhaled through the lungs and excreted through the skin – causing adverse effects. DMSO2 corresponds to the substance MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), which is also taken as a dietary supplement.
Fields of application
- In suitable medicinal products for the external treatment of pain, swelling and inflammation.
- DMSO ointment 50%: Sudeck’s disease (CRPS)
- To promote the absorption of active pharmaceutical ingredients into the skin.
- In the United States for the treatment of interstitial cystitis.
- DMSO is used in chemistry as an aprotic solvent. It is suitable for many polar and apolar substances.
- In parts of alternative medicine, DMSO has been touted as a “miracle cure” since the 1980s. However, this is to take great distance.
Dosage
According to the professional information. Dimethyl sulfoxide is applied externally and should not be ingested.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Children
- Pregnancy, lactation
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
DMSO promotes the absorption of other active ingredients into the skin. Therefore, other drugs should not be applied to the same skin area.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include allergic reactions, redness of the skin, itching, a burning sensation, garlicky bad breath, and digestive disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and poor appetite. Because dimethyl sulfide is eliminated through the lungs and skin, patients may have unpleasant mouth and body odor.
