Dimethyl Sulfoxide
/api/v1/drug/dimethyl-sulfoxideIndications
Sourced from openFDA- RIMSO-50 ® (dimethyl sulfoxide) is indicated for the symptomatic relief of patients with interstitial cystitis. RIMSO-50 ® has not been approved as being safe and effective for any other indication.
Contraindications
Sourced from openFDA- None known.contraindicated
Dosage & administration
Sourced from openFDAInstillation of 50 mL of RIMSO-50 ® (dimethyl sulfoxide) directly into the bladder may be accomplished by catheter or asepto syringe and allow to remain for 15 minutes. Application of an analgesic lubricant gel such as lidocaine jelly to the urethra is suggested prior to insertion of the catheter to avoid spasm. The medication is expelled by spontaneous voiding. It is recommended that the treatment be repeated every two weeks until maximum symptomatic relief is obtained. Thereafter, time intervals between therapy may be increased appropriately. Administration of oral analgesic medication or suppositories containing belladonna and opium prior to the instillation of RIMSO-50 ® can reduce bladder spasm. In patients with severe interstitial cystitis with very sensitive bladders, the initial treatment, and possibly the second and third (depending on patient response) should be done under anesthesia. (Saddle block has been suggested).
Warnings & precautions
Sourced from openFDADimethyl sulfoxide can initiate the liberation of histamine and there has been occasional hypersensitivity reaction with topical administration of dimethyl sulfoxide. This hypersensitivity has been reported in one patients receiving intravesical RIMSO-50 ® . The physician should be cognizant of this possibility in prescribing RIMSO-50 ® . If anaphylactoid symptoms develop, appropriate therapy should be instituted.
Adverse reactions
Sourced from openFDAA garlic-like taste may be noted by the patient within a few minutes after instillation of RIMSO-50 ® (dimethyl sulfoxide). This taste may last several hours and because of the presence of metabolites, an odor on the breath and skin may remain for 72 hours. Transient chemical cystitis has been noted following instillation of dimethyl sulfoxide. The patient may experience moderately severe discomfort on administration. Usually this becomes less prominent with repeated administration.
Overdosage
Sourced from openFDAThe oral LD 50 of dimethyl sulfoxide in the dog is greater than 10 gm/kg. It is improbable that this dosage level could be obtained with intravesical instillation of RIMSO-50 ® in the patient. In case of accidental oral ingestion, specific measures should be taken to induce emesis. Additional measures which may be considered are gastric lavage, activated charcoal and force diuresis.
Approval history
Sourced from openFDA- Apr 4, 1978NDANDA017788Mylan Institutional
FAERS reports
- 1Drug Ineffective5021%
- 2Headache4921%
- 3Nausea4921%
- 4Off Label Use4318%
- 5Abdominal Pain4218%
- 6Pyrexia4017%
- 7Pain3916%
- 8Dyspepsia2912%
- 9Constipation2812%
- 10Infusion Related Reaction2812%
- 11Malaise2812%
- 12Fatigue2711%
- 13Weight Decreased2711%
- 14Anaemia2611%
- 15Erythema2611%
Literature
Recent PubMed references pinned to Dimethyl Sulfoxide as a MeSH major topic. Citations link to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
- The Role of Cholesterol on the Stability of Phospholipid Bilayers under the Action of DMSO.The journal of physical chemistry. B · 2026 · Frcej L, Bradley-Moore A, Pedrick C, et al.PMID 42183748DOI 10.1021/acs.jpcb.5c07937
- Unraveling dimethylformamide-induced neutrophilic differentiation in HL-60 cells: A proteomic and functional comparison with dimethyl sulfoxide.PloS one · 2026 · Eldalal O, Tabana Y, Babu D, et al.PMID 42127131DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0348783
- Iroquois-homeobox protein 3 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma growth by transcriptionally upregulating F2R like trypsin receptor 1/protease-activated receptor 2.International journal of biological macromolecules · 2026 · Yang L, Huo Z, Qian X, et al.PMID 42102797DOI 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.152442
- Structurally engineered lignin-based robust, conductive ionic hydrogels via DMSO-assisted dual-network strategy for flexible sensors.International journal of biological macromolecules · 2026 · Zhou X, Zhou J, Xu Y, et al.PMID 42092659DOI 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.152384
- Effect of methanol, ethanol, DMSO and hexane on Chlorella vulgaris in the context of phytohormone delivery.Journal of biotechnology · 2026 · Pozzobon V, Salas DL, Laury C, et al.PMID 41941981DOI 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2026.03.021
- Effects of dietary supplementation of methylsulfonylmethane on performance, egg quality, serum biochemical parameters, and malondialdehyde levels in feed-restricted laying hens.Research in veterinary science · 2026 · Yilmaz E, Gur C, Gul M, et al.PMID 41915943DOI 10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106167
- Aggregation of Modified Glucuronoxylan in Water and DMSO.Biopolymers · 2026 · Palasingh C, Janewithayapun R, Cavalcanti LP, et al.PMID 41840941DOI 10.1002/bip.70091
- Evaluation of DMSO extraction efficiency compared to other solvents on representative polymeric materials used in biologics production.Journal of pharmaceutical sciences · 2026 · Cheng T, Kumar P, Rasheed N, et al.PMID 41839393DOI 10.1016/j.xphs.2026.104251
Clinical trials
The 10 most recently updated of 87 ClinicalTrials.gov registrations naming Dimethyl Sulfoxide as an intervention. Registration is not evidence of efficacy or safety — reference crosswalk only.
- Testing Trametinib and Dabrafenib as a Potential Targeted Treatment in Cancers With BRAF Genetic Changes (MATCH-Subprotocol H)Active not recruiting · Phase 2 · Interventional · 44 enrolled · National Cancer Institute (NCI)NCT04439292updated 2026-06-12
- Dabrafenib and Trametinib for BRAF V600 Mutant Low-Grade GliomasRecruiting · Phase 2 · Interventional · 96 enrolled · University of California, San FranciscoNCT07110246updated 2026-06-04
- Testing Dabrafenib and Trametinib With or Without Hydroxychloroquine in Stage IIIC or IV BRAF V600E/K MelanomaTerminated · Phase 2 · Interventional · 5 enrolled · ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research GroupNCT04527549updated 2026-06-01
- Dabrafenib and Trametinib Followed by Ipilimumab and Nivolumab or Ipilimumab and Nivolumab Followed by Dabrafenib and Trametinib in Treating Patients With Stage III-IV BRAFV600 MelanomaActive not recruiting · Phase 3 · Interventional · 267 enrolled · National Cancer Institute (NCI)NCT02224781updated 2026-05-29
- Testing Two Different Treatment Schedules of Dabrafenib and Trametinib for Skin Cancer Which Has SpreadActive not recruiting · Phase 2 · Interventional · 280 enrolled · National Cancer Institute (NCI)NCT02196181updated 2026-05-29
- Dabrafenib Combined With Trametinib After Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Newly-Diagnosed High-Grade GliomaActive not recruiting · Phase 2 · Interventional · 58 enrolled · National Cancer Institute (NCI)NCT03919071updated 2026-05-27
- DMSO Dual-Route Therapy for Refractory Tinnitus in Long-COVID and Post-COVID-19 Vaccine InjuryEnrolling by invitation · Phase 2 · Interventional · 20 enrolled · Leading Edge ClinicNCT07567274updated 2026-05-13
- Testing Trametinib as a Potential Targeted Treatment in Cancers With BRAF Genetic Changes (MATCH-Subprotocol R)Active not recruiting · Phase 2 · Interventional · 35 enrolled · National Cancer Institute (NCI)NCT04439279updated 2026-05-07
- Elimination of Odor and Treatment of Malodorous Recalcitrant Wounds by Using Supraz and PRP-FG Versus Standard of CareActive not recruiting · Phase 2 · Phase 3 · Interventional · 40 enrolled · Mashhad University of Medical SciencesNCT05983302updated 2026-05-06
- Decidua Stroma Cells for Steroid Resistent Acute Graft-versus-host Disease After Allo-HSCTTerminated · Phase 2 · Interventional · 12 enrolled · Mats RembergerNCT04118556updated 2026-05-06
Frequently asked questions
- What is Dimethyl Sulfoxide used for?
- According to FDA labeling, Dimethyl Sulfoxide carries indications including: RIMSO-50 ® (dimethyl sulfoxide) is indicated for the symptomatic relief of patients with interstitial cystitis. RIMSO-50 ® has not been approved as being safe and effective for any other indication.. This is a reference summary of labeled uses, not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.
- What class of drug is Dimethyl Sulfoxide?
- Dimethyl Sulfoxide is classified as Other topical products for joint and muscular pain, Other urologicals.
- What are the brand names for Dimethyl Sulfoxide?
- Dimethyl Sulfoxide is marketed under brand names including Fungizyl, Rimso-50, Synotic.
- What are the contraindications for Dimethyl Sulfoxide?
- Dimethyl Sulfoxide labeling lists contraindications including: None known.. Always consult the full prescribing information and a clinician.
dimethyl-sulfoxide is illustrative MVP content compiled from public sources. pharmacopeia is for educational and informational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.