Dimethyl Sulfoxide

Generic Name: Dimethyl Sulfoxide

Brand Names: Rimso-50

Drug Type: Small Molecule

Chemical Formula: C_₂H_₆OS

CAS Number: 67-68-5

Unique Ingredient Identifier: YOW8V9698H

Overview

A highly polar organic liquid, that is used widely as a chemical solvent. Because of its ability to penetrate biological membranes, it is used as a vehicle for topical application of pharmaceuticals. It is also used to protect tissue during cryopreservation. Dimethyl sulfoxide shows a range of pharmacological activity including analgesia and anti-inflammation.

Background

Indication

⑴作透皮促进剂，常用于氢化可的松、地塞米松、氟轻松、睾酮、胰岛素、肝素、维生素类、水杨酸类等的制剂。5％以下无透皮作用，5％以上随浓度增加而作用增强，常用其30％～50％水溶液。目前仅供外用。 ⑵作溶剂和防冻剂，60％水溶液能降低冰点至-80℃。

Associated Conditions

Interstitial Cystitis

Research Report

Published: May 13, 2025

Dimethyl Sulfoxide

Name: Dimethyl Sulfoxide
Name (English): Dimethyl Sulfoxide
DrugBank ID: DB01093
Type: Small Molecule
CAS Number: 67-68-5

Pharmacology:

Mechanism of Action: Multiple mechanisms including membrane penetration, membrane transport, effects on connective tissue, anti-inflammation, nerve blockade (analgesia), bacteriostasis, diuresis, enhancement or reduction of the effectiveness of other substances, induction of differentiation of malignant cells, radioprotective and cryoprotective actions, and protection against ischemic injury. It can also modulate cell membrane structure and properties, scavenge free radicals, and influence signal transduction pathways and gene expression.
Therapeutic Uses: Treatment of interstitial cystitis (intravesical administration). Topical use (not always FDA-approved) for pain relief, accelerating healing of wounds, burns, muscle and skeletal injuries, and treating conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Also used to prevent soft tissue damage from IV chemotherapeutic agents (topical).

Pharmacokinetics:

Absorption: Well absorbed topically and rapidly penetrates tissues.
Metabolism: Oxidized to dimethyl sulfone and reduced to dimethyl sulfide.
Excretion: Urine and feces (as unchanged drug and dimethyl sulfone), with some elimination via skin and lungs (dimethyl sulfide).

Side Effects:

Common: Garlic-like taste in the mouth, garlic odor on breath and skin, bladder pain or discomfort.
Less Common/Serious: Rash, blistering, burning, redness, scaling, hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, nasal congestion, vision changes, severe dizziness, altered heart rate, chest pain, confusion, slurred speech, weakness, loss of coordination, fever, tremors, severe eye or heart symptoms. Anaphylaxis and severe infusion reactions can occur.

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