Dimethyl sulfoxide

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a highly polar organic liquid and small molecule used as a pharmaceutical agent, chemical solvent, and cryoprotectant. It is approved by the FDA for intravesical use in the treatment of interstitial cystitis (chronic inflammatory bladder disease). DMSO has notable membrane penetration properties, enhancing the absorption of other drugs through biological membranes. Its pharmacological activities include anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant effects, and it is also used to protect tissues during cryopreservation. The mechanism of action is not fully understood but involves reversible inhibition of mitogen‑activated extracellular signal‑regulated kinase 1 (MEK1) and MEK2; it also acts as an antioxidant and downregulates targets such as interleukin‑5 receptor subunit alpha, mucin‑16, and Myc proto-oncogene protein. At the cellular level, DMSO increases membrane fluidity at low concentrations and induces pore formation at higher concentrations—mechanisms that underlie its ability to enhance drug delivery through skin or cell membranes[3][4][5][6].

Brand names

Rimso-50Rimso50Rimso 50

Other names

DMSODimethylis SulfoxidumDimethyl SulphoxideDimethylsulfoxideDiméthylsulfoxydeDimetilsulfóxidoMethyl SulphoxideSulfoxyde de DiméthylSulphinybismethane