Dimethyl sulfoxide

Dimethyl sulfoxide is used to relieve 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 mentioned in this medication guide.

Dimethyl sulfoxide is injected directly into the bladder using a catheter or syringe inserted into the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your bladder). A healthcare provider will administer this medicine in a clinic.

After dimethyl sulfoxide is placed into the bladder, you must hold the medicine in for 15 minutes before emptying your bladder.

If you have severe cystitis, you may receive anesthesia to numb your pelvic area before being treated with dimethyl sulfoxide.

Dimethyl sulfoxide is typically given once every 2 weeks until your symptoms improve. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Your doctor may also prescribe other medicines to relieve pain or bladder spasm. Read the medication guide or patient instructions that come with each of your medicines.

You may need to have frequent blood and urine tests.

Since dimethyl sulfoxide can affect your eyes, you may also need to have eye exams before and during treatment.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are taking.

You should not use 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 if dimethyl sulfoxide will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers if you feel severe discomfort or irritation when the medicine is inserted, or while you are holding it in your bladder. This may become less noticeable over time with repeat treatments.

You may notice a garlic- or onion-like taste in your mouth while you are receiving dimethyl sulfoxide. This effect may last for several hours after you receive the medicine, and you may also sense these odors on your breath or skin. This is a normal side effect of dimethyl sulfoxide and is not cause for concern.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Cystitis:

Instill 50 mL into the bladder by catheter or asepto syringe; allow to remain for 15 minutes; the medication is expelled by spontaneous voiding; repeat every 2 weeks until maximum symptomatic relief is obtained-Duration of therapy: Time intervals between therapy may be increased as Use: For the symptomatic relief of patients with interstitial cystitis

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Dimethyl sulfoxide treatment.

Since dimethyl sulfoxide is injected into the bladder and not into the bloodstream, an overdose is unlikely to happen.

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any restrictions on food, drinks, or activities.

Dimethyl sulfoxide used in the bladder is not likely to be influenced by other medications you take. However, many medications can interact with each other. Inform all your healthcare providers about every medicine you are using, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.