Overview

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) can be applied to the skin and is available over the counter as a dietary supplement. However, its benefits for any use are not well defined. When DMSO is applied to the skin, it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Applying DMSO to the same area of skin as other chemicals and medicines can change their absorption and effects. When taken by mouth or applied to the skin, DMSO can cause breath or body odor and a garlic-like taste in the mouth. Applying DMSO to the skin can also cause skin dryness, redness, or irritation. Before using DMSO, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have and medicines you are using.

Uses

What is dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) used for?

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is used for various reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons for using DMSO include the following.

• Muscle soreness after exercise
• Nerve pain (neuropathy)
• Osteoarthritis
• Other painful conditions

Note: The FDA has not reviewed DMSO for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

Dimethyl sulfoxide is also available as a prescription liquid that is placed into the bladder to help relieve the symptoms of interstitial cystitis, a chronic bladder problem. See Rimso-50 for more details.

How does DMSO work (mechanism of action)?

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a strong solvent that comes from wood pulp. It is commonly used in manufacturing and as a paint thinner. Medical-grade DMSO is available as a dietary supplement and may also be added to some products that are applied to the skin.

DMSO may help reduce swelling (inflammation) in the body. This has led to interest in taking it by mouth or applying it to the skin to help manage various forms of pain. It is also sometimes used to reduce muscle soreness after exercise. However, research is limited, and its benefits for any use are not well defined.

When DMSO is applied to the skin, it is quickly absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. Since it is a solvent, it can also increase the absorption of medicines that are applied to the same area of the skin. DMSO is added to some topical products to help increase the absorption of the medicines in those products. But it may be risky to mix certain topical medicines with DMSO on your own. Most topical medicines are not meant to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Once they are absorbed into the bloodstream, they can cause effects and side effects throughout the entire body (systemic).

How should I store DMSO?

You should store DMSO according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of DMSO?

The most common side effects of DMSO are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on how you are using it, the dose, or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Dry, red, or irritated skin (when applied to the skin)
• Breath or body odor
• Garlic-like taste in the mouth
• Upset stomach (when taken by mouth)

There may be other side effects of DMSO that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of DMSO?

While less common, the most serious side effects of DMSO are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. DMSO may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using DMSO and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use DMSO?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use DMSO.

• Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific DMSO products they stock.

What should I know about DMSO before using it?

DMSO is added to some topical products. It is also available as a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep DMSO out of the reach of children.

When DMSO is applied to the skin, it is quickly absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. Since DMSO is a solvent, it can dissolve other chemicals on the skin (such as sunscreens, insect repellents, lotions, and medicines) and cause them to enter the bloodstream. It is important to wash your skin with soap and water before applying DMSO. After applying DMSO, you should not apply any other products to that area until it has been washed with soap and water.

Your body breaks DMSO down into sulfur-based chemicals that can taste like garlic and cause breath or body odor. Since DMSO is absorbed through your skin and into your bloodstream, these effects can happen when DMSO is applied to the skin or taken by mouth. Many people who apply DMSO to the skin have a garlic-like taste in their mouth soon after use.

DMSO may be available in industrial-grade and medical-grade forms. Industrial-grade DMSO may contain harmful contaminants that can cause serious side effects. Medical-grade or pharmaceutical (USP)-grade DMSO, on the other hand, has been purified to remove contaminants. Do not take industrial-grade DMSO by mouth or apply it to the skin.

The FDA has not tested DMSO products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using DMSO?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if DMSO is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Kidney problems
• Liver problems

Other Medicines and Supplements.DMSO may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using DMSO, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how DMSO could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if DMSO passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does DMSO interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between DMSO and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect DMSO.

Does DMSO interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

DMSO can increase the absorption of other medicines that are applied to the same area of the skin. This can increase the amount of medicine that reaches the bloodstream and change its effects and side effects.

The interactions between DMSO and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with DMSO is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using DMSO with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much DMSO?

If you or someone else has used too much DMSO, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

DMSO products may be taken by mouth or applied to the skin. It is important to confirm that the product you are using contains medical-grade or pharmaceutical (USP)-grade DMSO. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to use DMSO safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.