DMSO + EMLA

DMSO + EMLA is a topical combination therapy consisting of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and the eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA), which contains lidocaine and prilocaine. This combination is used to provide local anesthesia for procedures such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and other minor dermatological interventions. DMSO acts as a potent solvent and penetration enhancer, increasing the absorption of local anesthetics through the skin. Lidocaine and prilocaine are amide-type local anesthetics that block sodium channels in neuronal membranes, inhibiting nerve impulse conduction to produce localized numbness. Studies have shown that combinations using DMSO with lidocaine or EMLA can result in more effective pain relief compared to EMLA alone due to enhanced drug delivery[1][2][3][10]. The mechanism includes both direct sodium channel blockade by the anesthetic agents and increased transdermal delivery via DMSO.

Other names

dimethyl sulfoxide + eutectic mixture of local anestheticsDMSO + lidocaine/prilocaineDMSO-lidocaine-prilocaine combination