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What is the most important information I should know about dimethyl sulfoxide?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to dimethyl sulfoxide.

Before you receive dimethyl sulfoxide, tell your doctor if you have cancer of your bladder or kidneys. You may not be able to use this medication, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Dimethyl sulfoxide will not treat a bacterial or fungal infection of the bladder. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

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 medication, 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 alarm.

What is dimethyl sulfoxide?

Dimethyl sulfoxide is used to treat pain and swelling associated with bladder or urinary conditions including cystitis (bladder inflammation or irritation).

This medication will not treat a bacterial or fungal infection of the bladder.

Dimethyl sulfoxide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before I receive dimethyl sulfoxide?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to dimethyl sulfoxide.

Before you receive dimethyl sulfoxide, tell your doctor if you have cancer of your bladder or kidneys. You may not be able to use this medication, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether dimethyl sulfoxide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Before you receive this medication, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.