What Can You Treat With DMSO?

DMSO, which is short for "dimethyl sulfoxide," is used to treat interstitial cystitis. Interstitial cystitis is a chronic inflammation of the bladder wall. DMSO is available as a generic only.

Interstitial Cystitis

• Symptoms of interstitial cystitis include painful sex, urinary discomfort, a sense of urinary urgency and increased frequency of urination. Severe cases can involve urinating 60 times in a day, according to drugs.com.

Administration

• DMSO is often administered at the doctor's office, in hospitals or at clinics. It is administered into the bladder using a catheter or a special syringe while the patient is under local anesthesia.

Side Effects

• Common side effects may include a garlic-like taste soon after treatment, garlic-like body odor or breath and bladder discomfort. Severe side effects include allergic reactions, eye pain or burning and vision changes. Symptoms of allergic reactions include difficulty breathing, rash, itching, hives, and facial swelling of the face, mouth, throat or tongue.

Considerations

• There are no known drug interactions for DMSO; however, this does not mean it is totally safe. Always call your doctor or 911 for severe side effects, as these are medical emergencies.

Frequency of Treatment

• According to drugs.com, DMSO treatments are usually two weeks apart and are continued until interstitial cystitis symptoms disappear.

Warning

• Always consult your doctor for questions concerning DMSO use.