Dimethyl sulfoxide
Generic name: dimethyl sulfoxide [ dye-METH-il-sul-FOX-ide ]
Brand names: Cryoserv, Rimso-50
Dosage form: irrigation solution (50%; 99%)
Drug class:Miscellaneous genitourinary tract agents
What is dimethyl sulfoxide?
Dimethyl sulfoxide is used to treat pain and swelling caused by bladder or urinary conditions including cystitis (bladder inflammation or irritation).
Dimethyl sulfoxide will not treat a bladder infection.
Dimethyl sulfoxide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with dimethyl sulfoxide if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
bladder or kidney cancer; or
vision problems.
It is not known whether dimethyl sulfoxide will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
How is dimethyl sulfoxide given?
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). A healthcare provider will give you this medicine in a clinic setting.
After dimethyl sulfoxide is placed into the bladder, you will need to hold the medicine 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 dosing instructions very carefully.
Your doctor may also want you to take other medicines to treat pain or bladder spasm. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medicines.
You may need frequent blood and urine tests.
Because dimethyl sulfoxide can affect your eyes, you may also need to have eye exams before and during treatment.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your dimethyl sulfoxide treatment.
What happens if I overdose?
Since dimethyl sulfoxide is injected into the bladder and not into the bloodstream, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
