| Item |
Information |
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Drug Groups
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approved |
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Description
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A highly polar organic liquid, that is used widely as a chemical solvent. Because of its ability to penetrate biological membranes, it is used as a vehicle for topical application of pharmaceuticals. It is also used to protect tissue during cryopreservation. Dimethyl sulfoxide shows a range of pharmacological activity including analgesia and anti-inflammation. [PubChem] |
| Indication |
For the symptomatic relief of patients with interstitial cystitis. |
| Pharmacology |
Dimethyl Sulfoxide may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic activities. Dimethyl Sulfoxide also readily penetrates cellular membranes. The membrane-penetrating ability of dimethyl sulfoxide may enhance diffusion of other substances through the skin. For this reason, mixtures of idoxuridine and dimethyl sulfoxide have been used for topical treatment of herpes zoster in the United Kingdom. |
| Toxicity |
The oral LD50 of dimethyl sulfoxide in the dog is greater than 10 gm/kg. It is improbable that this dosage level could be obtained with intravesical instillation of dimethyl sulfoxide in the patient. |
| Affected Organisms |
| • |
Humans and other mammals |
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| Biotransformation |
Dimethyl sulfoxide is metabolized in man by oxidation to dimethyl sulfone or by reduction in dimethyl sulfide. Dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethyl sulfone are excreted in the urine and feces. |
| Absorption |
Readily and rapidly absorbed following administration by all routes and distributed throughout the body. |
| Elimination |
Dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethyl sulfone are excreted in the urine and feces. |
| External Links |
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