Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colorless, slightly oily liquid organosulfur compound with the formula (CH3)2S=O. It is derived as a by-product from wood pulp in the paper-making process and has been used industrially as a solvent since the mid-1800s
. DMSO is notable for its ability to dissolve both polar and nonpolar compounds and is miscible with many organic solvents and water. It has a relatively high boiling point and a trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry around the sulfur atom
. Medically, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved DMSO as a prescription drug primarily for treating symptoms of interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome). It is also used under medical supervision for conditions like shingles and as a preservative for bone marrow and stem cells for transplantation
. DMSO is absorbed easily through the skin and can carry other substances with it into the body, which poses safety risks if impurities or harmful chemicals are present on the skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties and has been used experimentally to relieve pain from osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions, although scientific evidence supporting many of these uses is limited or lacking
. Common side effects include skin irritation, a garlic-like taste and odor on the breath and skin, and stomach upset. More serious risks arise from its ability to increase the absorption of other drugs, potentially causing dangerous interactions. High concentrations or improper use can cause severe adverse effects, including toxicity and even death
. In summary, DMSO is an industrial solvent with some approved medical uses, particularly for bladder conditions, but it must be used cautiously due to its potent absorption properties and potential side effects
