Dimethyl Sulfoxide (Inside the bladder)

dye-METH-il sul-FOX-ide

Treats interstitial cystitis (inflammation of the bladder).

Drug classes

Renal-Urologic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Dimethyl sulfoxide is a purified preparation used in the bladder to relieve the symptoms of the bladder condition called interstitial cystitis. A catheter (tube) or syringe is used to put the solution into the bladder where it is allowed to remain for about 15 minutes. Then, the solution is expelled by urinating.

Interstitial cystitis is the only human use for dimethyl sulfoxide that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Claims that dimethyl sulfoxide is effective for treating various types of arthritis, ulcers in scleroderma, muscle sprains and strains, bruises, infections of the skin, burns, wounds, and mental conditions have not been proven.

Although other preparations of dimethyl sulfoxide are available for industrial and veterinary (animal) use, they must not be used by humans, because of their unknown purity. Impurities in these preparations may cause serious unwanted effects in humans. Even if dimethyl sulfoxide is applied to the skin, it is absorbed into the body through the skin and mucous membranes.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Liquid

This medicine may be given to you by a health care professional, or you may be taught how to give this medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself this medicine. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is put directly into your bladder.

You may need use medicine to prevent bladder pain or spasms before you use dimethyl sulfoxide. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

This medicine may cause a garlic-like taste in your mouth, or garlic odor on your breath or skin.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

When Not To Use

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to dimethyl sulfoxide.

Warnings

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Make sure your doctor knows if you have a history of eye problems, or cancer of your urinary tract. Tell your doctor about any other medicine you are using.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. You may also need to have eye exams regularly while using this medicine.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling to tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Pain or bladder spasms when using this medicine.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Rimso-50

There may be other brand names for this medicine.