DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide): Uses, Benefits, Risks, and More

DMSO is a colorless chemical solvent that has been studied for various medical uses, but it is currently only approved by the FDA to treat interstitial cystitis.

The story of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is an unusual one. This by-product of the paper-making process was discovered in Germany in the late 19th century. It’s a colorless liquid that gained notoriety for its ability to penetrate the skin and other biological membranes.

Scientists discovered that they could use DMSO as a transportation device to pass small molecules through skin in the 1960s. Since then, scientists have researched the potential benefits and risks of using DMSO to treat a variety of conditions. This research is ongoing.

DMSO was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)to treat interstitial cystitis (a chronic bladder issue) under the brand name RIMSO-50.

The compound has no other approved uses, but it’s been purported to be a treatment for:

• arthritis
• cancer
• chemotherapy side effects
• general pain

Because it absorbs easily into the skin, it’s also been studied as a vehicle for administering topical drugs.

In the late 70s, the FDA approved DMSO for the treatment of interstitial cystitis. It remains the only FDA-approved bladder installation (or bladder wash) for this condition.

For individuals living with interstitial cystitis, DMSO has been shown to:

• ease pain due to the condition
• help relax the bladder
• increase bladder capacity

Because DMSO penetrates the skin easily, it has been explored as a topical agent for musculoskeletal pain and inflammatory conditions. However, evidence for these uses is limited and inconsistent, and

DMSO has also been used in medical settings to help manage chemotherapy drug leakage (extravasation), as it may reduce tissue damage. While some clinical use and studies support this application, it is not universally standardized, and more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.

DMSO has also been touted for its ability to reduce leakage during chemotherapy administration, but more studies and real-world use are needed before it can be considered a trusted method.

Early lab studies suggest that DMSO may affect how cancer cells grow and develop. However, these results are still very early and haven’t been confirmed in large studies in people.

Overall, while DMSO shows promise in several areas, most of its proposed benefits outside of interstitial cystitis remain under investigation, and stronger clinical evidence is needed before routine use can be recommended.

While many reported side effects of DMSO are mild, the amount of DMSO someone takes is directly correlated with the severity of the reaction.

One common side effect is a garlicy taste in the mouth and throat.

More severe side effects

• headache
• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach ache
• diarrhea
• fever
• chills
• a lowered heart rate
• itching
• rash
• rough or thickened skin

Risks

DMSO may affect how the body processes certain medications by

This could potentially increase the effects or side effects of some medications, especially those that require careful dosing. However, most evidence comes from laboratory studies, and more research in people is needed.

DMSO can be administered

• topically, via a gel or solution
• as a bladder wash, via a catheter (for interstitial cystitis)

As with any alternative treatment, it’s always advised to talk with a doctor before purchasing any product containing DMSO. Dosage is directly connected to the severity of possible side effects.

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a chemical solvent sometimes used to help reduce inflammation and pain, and may also help reduce leakage during chemotherapy treatment.

It has been FDA-approved to treat only one condition: interstitial cystitis.

Because it may interact with other medications and lacks strong evidence for most uses, DMSO should only be used under medical supervision.