What is dimethyl sulfoxide?
Dimethyl sulfoxide is used to treat pain and swelling associated with bladder or urinary
conditions including cystitis (bladder inflammation or irritation).
This medication will not treat a bacterial or fungal infection of the bladder.
Dimethyl sulfoxide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dimethyl sulfoxide?
You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to dimethyl sulfoxide.
Before you receive dimethyl sulfoxide, tell your doctor if you have cancer of your bladder
or kidneys. You may not be able to use this medication, or you may need a dose adjustment or
special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication should be used only when clearly
needed during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
during treatment.
It is not known whether dimethyl sulfoxide passes into breast milk or if it could harm
a nursing baby. Before you receive this medication, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
How should I take dimethyl sulfoxide?
Dimethyl sulfoxide is injected directly into the bladder using a catheter or syringe inserted
into the urethra (the tube for passing urine out of your bladder). You will receive this medication
in a clinic or hospital setting.
After dimethyl sulfoxide is placed into the bladder, you will need to hold the medication
in for 15 minutes before emptying your bladder.
If you have severe cystitis, you may be given an anesthesia to numb your pelvic area
before you are treated with dimethyl sulfoxide.
Dimethyl sulfate is usually given once every 2 weeks until your symptoms are relieved.
Follow your doctor's instructions about your specific dosing schedule.
Your doctor may also recommend other medications to treat pain or bladder spasm. Be
sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your
blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. You may also need to have eye exams before and
during treatment. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
What happens if I miss a dose of dimethyl sulfoxide?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your dimethyl sulfoxide
treatment.
Where can I get more information about dimethyl sulfoxide?
Your pharmacist has information about dimethyl sulfoxide written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of dimethyl sulfoxide?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tell your caregivers if you feel severe discomfort or irritation when the medication is
inserted or while you are holding it in your bladder. This discomfort may become less noticeable
over time with repeat treatments.
You may notice a garlic- or onion-like taste in your mouth while you are receiving
dimethyl sulfoxide. This effect may last for several hours after you receive the medication, and
you may also sense these odors on your breath or skin. This is a normal side effect of dimethyl
sulfoxide and is not cause for concern.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about
any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about dimethyl sulfoxide?
You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to dimethyl sulfoxide.
Before you receive dimethyl sulfoxide, tell your doctor if you have cancer of your bladder
or kidneys. You may not be able to use this medication, or you may need a dose adjustment or
special tests during treatment.
Dimethyl sulfoxide will not treat a bacterial or fungal infection of the bladder.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
You may notice a garlic- or onion-like taste in your mouth while you are receiving
dimethyl sulfoxide. This effect may last for several hours after you receive the medication, and
you may also sense these odors on your breath or skin. This is a normal side effect of dimethyl
sulfoxide and is not cause for alarm.
What should I avoid while taking dimethyl sulfoxide?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity
while you are being treated with dimethyl sulfoxide.
What other drugs will affect dimethyl sulfoxide?
There may be other drugs that can interact with dimethyl sulfoxide. Tell your doctor about
all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and
drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of dimethyl sulfoxide?