Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colourless liquid that is easily absorbed by the skin. It is a byproduct of the paper-making process and has been used as an industrial solvent since the mid-1800s. While it is available without a prescription, its safety is unclear. The FDA has approved DMSO as a prescription medication for treating bladder issues and it is also used under medical supervision to treat several other conditions.
DMSO may increase the effects of some medications, and pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use it. In addition, it is known to cause a deadly reaction when used in high concentrations. When used orally, it can also cause a garlic taste in the mouth and throat.
Combining DMSO with alcohol is potentially dangerous.
Characteristics | Values |
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Should you drink beer while on DMSO? | No, it is a potentially dangerous combination. |
What You'll Learn
DMSO is a by-product of paper making and is colourless
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colourless liquid and a by-product of the paper-making process. It was discovered in Germany in the late 19th century and has been used as an industrial solvent since the mid-1800s. DMSO comes from a substance found in wood.
In the 1960s, scientists discovered they could use DMSO as a transportation device to pass small molecules through the skin and other biological membranes. Since then, researchers have explored its use as an anti-inflammatory agent and its potential benefits and risks in treating a variety of conditions.
DMSO has been approved by the FDA to treat interstitial cystitis (a chronic bladder issue) and is sometimes used to help reduce inflammation and pain. It is also used to treat shingles and relieve the pain of osteoarthritis. It has been promoted as an alternative treatment for cancer, but the American Cancer Society says there is no evidence to support this claim.
DMSO is easily absorbed by the skin and is available without a prescription, most often in gel or cream form. It can be purchased in health food stores, by mail order, and on the internet. While it can sometimes be found as an oral supplement, its safety is unclear, and it is primarily used by applying it to the skin.
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It is used to treat bladder issues and other inflammatory conditions
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a by-product of paper making, derived from a substance found in wood. It has been used as an industrial solvent since the mid-1800s and, from the mid-20th century, has been explored for its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent.
DMSO has been approved by the FDA as a prescription medication for treating painful bladder syndrome, also known as interstitial cystitis (IC). It is believed that DMSO works by increasing bladder capacity and relaxing pelvic and bladder muscles. The solution is inserted into the bladder through a catheter and released after a short period. This treatment can be done by a urologist or through self-catheterization at home.
In addition to IC, DMSO bladder instillations may be suggested for patients with chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs), accumulated sediment in urine, or other conditions that reduce bladder capacity and contribute to frequent urination. It is also used to treat bladder issues arising from blocked urinary catheters.
DMSO has also been used to treat other inflammatory conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma. It has further been promoted as an "alternative" cancer treatment, although the American Cancer Society says there is no evidence to support this use.
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It can be dangerous when mixed with alcohol
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colourless liquid that is easily absorbed by the skin. It is a byproduct of the paper-making process and has been used as an industrial solvent since the mid-1800s. While it is available without a prescription, it is primarily used by applying it to the skin.
Drinking alcohol while on DMSO can be dangerous. DMSO has been shown to inhibit liver alcohol dehydrogenase, which is an enzyme that breaks down alcohol in the body. This means that consuming alcohol while on DMSO may increase the effects of alcohol and lead to more severe hangovers or alcohol poisoning.
In addition, DMSO may also increase the effect of some medications, which can lead to serious health issues. It is important to speak with a doctor before taking DMSO, especially if you are already taking any other medications.
Furthermore, some of the side effects of DMSO include lowered heart rate and rough or thickened skin. Alcohol consumption can also have similar effects on the body, such as lowering heart rate and causing skin flushing. Combining DMSO and alcohol may lead to an increased risk of these side effects.
Finally, it is important to note that DMSO is not a widely accepted or well-studied treatment option. While it has been shown to be effective in treating interstitial cystitis, its use in other conditions is still under investigation. As such, it is always advisable to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any new medication or supplement, including DMSO.
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It can be applied to the skin or taken orally
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colourless liquid that is easily absorbed by the skin. It is a by-product of the paper-making process and was discovered in Germany in the 19th century. DMSO has been used as an industrial solvent since the mid-1800s.
DMSO is available without a prescription, most often in gel or cream form. It can be purchased in health food stores, by mail order, and on the internet. While it can sometimes be found as an oral supplement, its safety is unclear. DMSO is primarily used by applying it to the skin.
The FDA has approved DMSO as a prescription medication for treating symptoms of painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis). It is also used under medical supervision to treat several other conditions, including shingles. DMSO has been used to try to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis and has been promoted as an "alternative" cancer treatment. It has also been used to treat wounds, burns, and other injuries.
The most frequent side effects from using DMSO on the skin include a strong odour of garlic, severe allergic reactions, and itching and burning when applied to the skin. Using DMSO by mouth can cause it to interact with some medications, increasing their effect and leading to serious health issues.
In conclusion, while DMSO can be applied to the skin or taken orally, it is important to exercise caution and consult a doctor before use, especially if taking any medications.
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It is easily accessible and inexpensive
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is an inexpensive compound that is easily accessible and can be purchased without a prescription. It is available in health food stores, by mail order, and on the Internet.
DMSO is a colourless liquid that was discovered in Germany in the late 19th century as a by-product of the paper-making process. It gained notoriety for its ability to penetrate the skin and other biological membranes. Due to its ease of absorption, DMSO is often used to increase the body's absorption of other medications. It is primarily applied topically to the skin, but it can also be taken orally in the form of a gel, cream, or supplement.
The safety of consuming DMSO orally is not entirely clear, and it is recommended to consult a doctor before use. DMSO has been shown to increase the effects of some medications, which can lead to serious health issues. It is important to wash the skin thoroughly before applying DMSO to avoid unintended absorption of other substances.
Despite its potential benefits, DMSO has faced obstacles to its widespread use due to a combination of bureaucratic hurdles and pharmaceutical industry lobbying. The compound is inexpensive and ineligible for patenting, which may deter drug companies from pursuing its development.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not advisable to consume alcohol while taking DMSO. The combination of dimethyl sulfoxide and alcohol can be potentially dangerous.
DMSO, or dimethyl sulfoxide, is a colorless chemical solvent that is easily absorbed by the skin. It is a by-product of the paper-making process and has been used as an industrial solvent since the mid-1800s.
Some common side effects of using DMSO include a strong odor of garlic and, in more severe cases, allergic reactions, itching, and burning when applied to the skin. It can also cause a deadly reaction when used in high concentrations.