Dimethyl Sulfoxide

Dimethyl Sulfoxide is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of interstitial cystitis.

• Dimethyl Sulfoxide is available under the following different brand names: Rimso 50

Common side effects of Dimethyl Sulfoxide include:

• bladder pain or discomfort,
• garlic-like taste in the mouth, and
• odor from the breath or skin

Serious side effects of Dimethyl Sulfoxide include:

• hives,
• difficulty breathing,
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat,
• vision changes,
• severe dizziness, and
• itching.

Rare side effects of Dimethyl Sulfoxide include:

• none

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out. 

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult dosage

Intravesicular solution

• 50%

Interstitial Cystitis

Adult dosage

• Instill 50 mL intravesicularly into the bladder and allow to remain for 15 minutes; repeat every 2 weeks until symptom relief
• After maximum symptomatic relief is achieved, may decrease the frequency

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Dimethyl Sulfoxide has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Dimethyl Sulfoxide has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs
• Dimethyl Sulfoxide has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Dimethyl Sulfoxide has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your healthcare professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• None listed by the manufacturer

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Dimethyl Sulfoxide?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Dimethyl Sulfoxide?”

Cautions

• Urinary tract malignancy
• Risks of: anaphylactic reactions; transient chemical cystitis
• Potential risk of eye lens opacity
• Not for IV or IM use; intravesicular use only
• Use caution in patients with urinary tract malignancy (vasodilatory effects may be harmful)

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks during pregnancy.
• Lactation
  • Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution