Dmso

General Drug Information and Indications

Topical/systemic vehicle for drug penetration enhancement in horses; anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; treatment of cerebral edema. Dimethyl sulfoxide — organosulfur solvent and vehicle. Mechanism: penetrates biological membranes (carries other drugs transdermally); free radical scavenger; anti-inflammatory via inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis; reduces cerebral edema via osmotic mechanism; modulates ion channels. Also used as a cryoprotectant. Distinctive garlic/oyster odor after application. Key information HUMAN SAFETY: Rapidly absorbed through skin — acts as carrier, pulling concurrent substances through skin. Wear chemical-resistant gloves. Avoid contact with skin. Strong carrier effect — remove all medications from hands before handling. Store at room temperature. May cause garlic breath/body odor.

How to Give this Medication

Topical: apply to clean, dry skin using gloved hands (chemical-resistant gloves). Rub gently into affected area. Ensure the animal's skin is free of other topical substances before applying (DMSO carries co-applied substances dermally). IV (equine, diluted): dilute to ≤10% in sterile saline; infuse slowly. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next application, skip it and resume the normal schedule. Do not apply extra product to compensate.

Side Effects

Strong garlic/oyster odor (client warning — transferred to breath/urine). Skin: erythema, pruritis, urticaria at application site. GI: nausea, vomiting if ingested. Potentiation of other topically co-applied drugs (both desired and toxic effects). Hemolysis with concentrated preparations applied to large wounds. Avoid eye contact.

Precautions

For animals Do not apply to skin that has been in contact with other topical substances — DMSO carries co-applied substances dermally and can deliver unintended toxic agents systemically. Use diluted formulations (≤90%) to reduce skin irritation. Avoid use near open wounds without understanding what other agents may be present. For people handling this medication Wear gloves when handling. DMSO penetrates skin rapidly and carries other dissolved substances into the body. Always wear chemical-resistant gloves when handling DMSO preparations. Avoid skin contact. If applying DMSO-containing medications to animals, ensure the animal's skin is clean and that you are not co-applying any toxic substances. Strong garlic/oyster odor on breath and skin after contact is expected. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. after handling.

Overdose

Contact your veterinarian. DMSO is a carrier — overdose effects depend on co-administered drugs. DMSO itself causes garlic odor and mild local irritation. The real risk is from drugs dissolved in DMSO.

Dmso dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
DMSO (STERILE) SOLUTION - 500 ML—Solution500 MLCompound
DMSO 60% LIQUID - 20 ML—Liquid20 MLCompound

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)