Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colorless solvent known for its ability to easily pass through biological membranes, including human skin. This trait has led to its use in various applications, ranging from an approved prescription treatment for interstitial cystitis to topical and veterinary uses. Because DMSO use often results in a lingering odor, people frequently ask how long the compound remains in the body. The time DMSO stays in the system is not a fixed period, but a complex process involving its conversion into other chemical forms.
How DMSO Is Processed in the Body
Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream regardless of the administration method, whether applied topically or given intravenously. Its small molecular size and polar nature allow it to quickly distribute throughout the body’s water compartments and tissues. Once absorbed, the body’s metabolic processes begin converting the parent compound into two primary metabolites.
The first and most significant pathway is the oxidation of DMSO into Dimethyl Sulfone (DMSO2). This conversion occurs primarily in the liver and is responsible for the compound’s long-term persistence. Dimethyl Sulfone is a highly stable, non-volatile chemical that remains in the body for a considerable duration after the original DMSO has been cleared.
The second pathway involves the reduction of DMSO into Dimethyl Sulfide (DMS). DMS is a volatile compound responsible for the characteristic, pungent garlic-like odor associated with DMSO use. This smell is noticeable on the breath and sometimes on the skin, as DMS is eliminated through both the lungs and the skin’s surface.
The Persistence of DMSO and Its Metabolites
The parent compound, Dimethyl Sulfoxide, has a relatively short half-life in the bloodstream, typically measured in a matter of hours. Studies suggest that the half-life of DMSO itself is often under 15 hours, meaning half of the drug is converted or eliminated within that timeframe. Because DMSO is rapidly metabolized, the original compound is cleared from the blood within a few days after the last use.
However, the persistence of the metabolites makes the total clearance time much longer. Dimethyl Sulfone (DMSO2) is the primary concern for long-term detection. Because it is highly stable, DMSO2 is eliminated much more slowly than the parent compound, with a reported half-life in humans often extending to over two days.
This prolonged half-life means that measurable levels of DMSO2 can remain detectable in the blood and urine for days or even weeks after administration has ceased. Unmetabolized DMSO and the stable DMSO2 are eliminated primarily through the kidneys and excreted in the urine. The volatile Dimethyl Sulfide (DMS) is continuously breathed out and expelled through the skin, which causes the lingering odor that can persist for up to 72 hours.
Factors Affecting Elimination Speed
The specific time it takes for DMSO and its metabolites to be fully cleared is highly variable among individuals, influenced by several physiological and dosing factors.
Dosage and Frequency
The amount of DMSO administered and the frequency of its use play a significant role in determining how long the metabolites persist. Higher doses and prolonged, repeated use lead to a larger accumulation of the stable Dimethyl Sulfone, thereby extending the overall clearance time.
Route of Administration
The route of administration also influences the speed of elimination. Intravenous dosing results in a rapid peak concentration compared to the slower absorption of a topical application.
Organ Health
The health and function of the body’s main filtering organs, the kidneys and liver, are also influential. Since these organs are responsible for metabolizing DMSO and excreting DMSO2, any impairment in their function can significantly slow the entire elimination process.