DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE (DMSO)

Brand & Generic Names

Rimso-50

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Anti-inflammatory (local)

Uses

When applied directly to the bladder's membrane lining, DMSO relieves symptoms of bladder inflammation.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to use:
Under doctor's guidance, directly instill into urinary bladder using a catheter or aseptic syringe. Allow to remain in bladder about 15 minutes, then void. Note: Follow doctor's instructions.

When to use:
Follow doctor's instructions.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Reduces inflammation by unknown mechanism.

Time lapse before drug works:
Works quickly (within minutes).

Don't take with:
Any other medicines (including over-the-counter drugs such as cough and cold medicines, laxatives, antacids, diet pills, caffeine, nose drops or vitamins) without consulting your doctor.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
None expected.

WHAT TO DO:

Overdose unlikely to threaten life. If person takes much larger amount than prescribed, call doctor, poison-control center or hospital emergency room for instructions.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Breathing difficulty. Seek emergency treatment immediately.

Common:

Garlic-like taste for up to 72 hours.

Infrequent:

Vision problems (not documented in humans, but well-documented in animals).

Rare:

Nasal congestion, itching, hives, facial swelling.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't use if:

• You have a bladder malignancy.
• You are allergic to DMSO.

Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you have visual problems.

Over age 60:
No special problems expected.

Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs drug benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Effect not documented. Consult your doctor.

Infants & children:
Not recommended.

Prolonged use:
Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check liver and kidney function, complete blood counts (white blood cell count, platelet count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit) and vision.

Skin & sunlight:
No special problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No special problems expected.

Discontinuing:
No special problems expected.

Others:
Although readily available in impure forms, DMSO has not proven effective or safe for sprains, strains, arthritis, scleroderma, gout, skin infections, burns or other uses. Many studies are under way for safety and efficacy for conditions other than bladder inflammation.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Any other drug used	Increased effect of both
inside the bladder	medicines.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	No special problems expected.
Beverages:	No special problems expected.
Cocaine:	No special problems expected.
Foods:	No special problems expected.
Marijuana:	No special problems expected.
Tobacco:	No special problems expected.