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Dimethyl Sulfoxide Drug Information Provided by Lexi-Comp

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Pronunciation

(dye meth il sul FOKS ide)

Generic Available (U.S.)

No

Index Terms

  • DMSO

Brand Names: U.S.

  • Rimso-50®

Brand Names: Canada

  • Dimethyl Sulfoxide Irrigation, USP
  • Kemsol®
  • Rimso-50®

Pharmacologic Category

  • Urinary Tract Product

Use: Labeled Indications

Symptomatic relief of interstitial cystitis

Pregnancy Risk Factor

C

Pregnancy Considerations

Adverse events have been observed in animal reproduction studies.

Lactation

Excretion in breast milk unknown/use caution

Contraindications

There are no contraindications listed within the manufacturer's labeling.

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Hypersensitivity reactions: May cause hypersensitivity reactions (rare).

• Ophthalmic effects: Lens changes and opacities have been observed in animal studies; precaution is advised in humans and eye exams (prior to use and periodically) are recommended.

Disease-related concerns:

• Urinary tract malignancy: Use with caution in patients with urinary tract malignancy; may be harmful due to vasodilatory effects.

Special populations:

• Pediatrics: Safety and efficacy have not been established in children.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Appropriate administration: For bladder instillation only; do not administer I.V./I.M.

Adverse Reactions

Frequency not defined.

Gastrointestinal: Garlic-like breath (may persist for up to 72 hours), garlic-like taste (may persist for several hours)

Genitourinary: Cystitis (transient)

Local: Discomfort (moderate-to-severe)

Miscellaneous: Skin odor (may persist for up to 72 hours)

Postmarketing and/or case reports: Contact dermatitis, eosinophilic cystitis, hypersensitivity reactions, lens deposits

Metabolism/Transport Effects

Inhibits CYP2C19 (weak), CYP2C9 (weak)

Drug Interactions

Dexrazoxane: Dimethyl Sulfoxide may diminish the therapeutic effect of Dexrazoxane. Risk X: Avoid combination

Sulindac: Dimethyl Sulfoxide may decrease the metabolism of Sulindac. Specifically, the concentrations of the active sulfide metabolite are decreased. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Storage

Store at room temperature of 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from light.

Mechanism of Action

Exact mechanism unknown; reported to induce and alter inflammatory tissue responses, modulate collagen disposition, influence nerve conduction and neurotransmission, and alter cell proliferation in fibroblasts and hepatocytes; thus exerting an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and muscle relaxant effect. It may also interact with free radicals forming formaldehyde, possibly contributing to fixative effect on biological tissues.

Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed (topical administration)

Distribution: Body fluids and tissues (topical administration)

Metabolism: Oxidation to dimethyl sulfone; reduction to dimethyl sulfide

Excretion: Urine and feces (as unchanged drug and dimethyl sulfone); skin and lungs (dimethyl sulfoxide)

Dosage

Bladder instillation: Adults: Instill 50 mL directly into bladder and allow to remain for 15 minutes; repeat every 2 weeks until symptoms are relieved, then increase intervals between treatments or 50 mL directly into bladder for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 weeks for 4-8 treatments (Chancellor, 2004)

Administration: Other

Not for I.V. or I.M. use. Intravesical: Instill directly into the bladder via catheter or syringe. To reduce bladder spasm it is recommended to apply an analgesic lubricant (eg, lidocaine jelly) to urethra prior to catheter insertion; belladonna and opium suppositories may be of benefit.

Monitoring Parameters

CBC, liver and renal function tests about every 6 months; eye examinations and slit lamp examinations (baseline and periodically)

Patient Education

This medication is only for use as a bladder instillation. Maintain adequate hydration, unless instructed to restrict fluid intake.

Additional Information

Dimethyl sulfoxide (≥99%) is used as a cryopreservative solution.

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No significant effects or complications reported

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

No information available to require special precautions

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

May cause sedation

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

None reported

Nursing: Physical Assessment/Monitoring

For bladder instillation only.

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Solution, intravesical:

Rimso-50®: 50% (50 mL) [500 mg/mL]

Pricing: U.S. (www.drugstore.com)

Solution (Rimso-50)

50% (50): $112.99

References

Abramov Y, Goldberg RP, McGuire M, et al, “Eosinophilic Cystitis After Bladder Instillation With Dimethyl Sulfoxide,” Urology, 2004, 63(6):1182-3.

Chancellor MB and Yoshimura N, “Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis,” Urology, 2004, 63(Suppl 1):85-92.

Melchior D, Packer CS, Johnson TC, et al, “Dimethyl Sulfoxide: Does it Change the Functional Properties of the Bladder Wall?,” J Urol, 2003, 170(1):253-8.

Nishimura M, Takano Y, Toshitani S, “Systemic Contact Dermatitis Medicamentosa Occurring After Intravesical Dimethyl Sulfoxide Treatment For Interstitial Cystitis,” Arch Dermatol, 1988, 124(2):182-3.

Perez-Marrero R, Emerson LE, and Feltis JT, “A Controlled Study of Dimethyl Sulfoxide in Interstitial Cystitis,” J Urol, 1988, 140(1):36-9.

Rowley S and Baer R, “Lens Deposits Associated With RIMSO-50 (Dimethylsulphoxide),” Eye, 2001, 15(pt 3):332-3.

International Brand Names

  • Demsodrox (ES)
  • Dermialgida Liquido (ES)
  • Dolobene (PL)
  • Intran DMSO-Losung (AT)
  • Rheumabene (DE)
  • Rimso-50 (GB)

Lexi-Comp.com

Last full review/revision February 2012

Content last modified February 2012

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