DMSO Pharmaceutical products: Uses and Risks

Dimethyl Sulphoxide (DMSO) is a colorless solvent popularly used in the pharmaceutical industry. It has a garlic-like odor and has medicinal properties. DMSO pharmaceutical products include analgesics, anti-inflammatory medicines, and antioxidants. It is obtained as a by-product of the papermaking industry. DMSO can be easily absorbed by the skin and as a result, it is a key component of ointments. It is a nontoxic compound.

Uses of DMSO

The use of DMSO pharmaceutical products has been approved by US Food and Administration (FDA). It is used to treat several diseases in humans and animals. Some of the uses of DMSO are listed below:

• Alternative medicine: Recently DMSO is being claimed as the “alternative medicine” for cancer treatment. If this holds true the cure of this much-feared disease will be easier, less expensive, and less painful. The patients will no longer have to go through series of radiotherapies and chemotherapies.

• Pain reliever: DMSO can be used to get rid of the pain caused by osteoarthritis.

• Treatment of diseases: The following diseases are cured by the use of DMSO:

✓ Alzheimer’s disease

✓ A headache

✓ Rheumatoid arthritis

✓ Scleroderma

• Veterinary medicine: It can be used in liniments for horses.

• Increase effectiveness: DMSO is used to increase the efficiency of:

✓ Aspirin and other blood thinners

✓ Sedatives

✓ Steroids

Side effects of DMSO

Some industrial products might contain DMSO in impure form. This can tamper its productivity and have a negative effect on the health of an individual.

Absorption by skin

DMSO is readily absorbed by the skin. If impure DMSO is absorbed it may result in the following:

• Skin irritation

• Rashes

Oral intake

The side effects of taking DMSO orally are:

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Change in appetite

Other side effects

Some other side effects of DMSO are:

• Allergic reactions that need medical attention

• A headache

• Itching when applied to the skin

Who should avoid using DMSO?

DMSO pharmaceutical products are not suitable for everyone. Some more information about DMSO can be found on https://dmso.com.au/. If you have a prior record of allergies or any other serious medical ailment, it is recommended to consult your doctor before using DMSO. People facing the following conditions should avoid using DMSO:

• Pregnant ladies

• Breastfeeding Mothers

• Diabetes

• Asthma

• Kidney problems