Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colorless organosulfur compound, originally isolated as a by-product of the wood-pulp industry. It functions as a highly effective industrial solvent, capable of dissolving both polar and nonpolar substances. While widely used in laboratory and commercial settings, its application in medicine is extremely limited and highly regulated. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved DMSO for only a single medical use: instillation directly into the bladder for treating interstitial cystitis. Despite its restricted status, the practice of consuming DMSO orally has become widespread in alternative wellness circles, a route of administration that remains unapproved and unstandardized by major regulatory bodies.
DMSO’s Established Uses vs. Unproven Oral Claims
DMSO’s established medical uses are few and specific. The FDA-approved use is as a prescription drug, often under the brand name RIMSO-50, administered directly into the bladder to relieve symptoms of interstitial cystitis. DMSO is also utilized in medical settings as a cryoprotectant to preserve blood, organs, and human cells during freezing for transplantation or storage. This function relies on its ability to protect cell membranes from damage at very low temperatures.
DMSO is frequently incorporated into topical formulations because it acts as a powerful vehicle, increasing the absorption of other medications through the skin. In contrast, oral consumption is promoted in alternative medicine with unsubstantiated claims, often citing anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Users anecdotally report ingesting it to address conditions such as chronic inflammation, arthritis, cancer, and various types of systemic pain. These claims lack support from large-scale, controlled clinical trials.
While some early research investigated DMSO’s potential for arthritis pain, the scientific evidence does not support its general use for this purpose. Major health organizations strongly caution against promoting DMSO as a treatment for serious conditions like cancer. Using DMSO in this manner may cause people to delay seeking effective, evidence-based medical treatment.
Reported Oral Dosing Practices and Preparations
The difficulty in discussing a “typical oral dose” of DMSO stems from the complete absence of a standardized medical protocol for internal consumption. Since the FDA has not approved DMSO for oral use, there are no official dosing guidelines regarding amount or frequency. Individuals who choose to ingest DMSO rely on anecdotal reports or protocols found in non-scientific online communities, leading to highly variable practices.
A common practice involves diluting high-purity DMSO with a liquid, such as water or juice, before drinking it. Reports often suggest starting with a small amount, such as 2 to 4 drops of a high-concentration product mixed into a cool beverage. Users then titrate this amount upward, sometimes reaching 6 to 10 drops per dose or more, based on their individual perceived response. This practice of self-adjusting the dose highlights the lack of reliable, established safety parameters.
The purity of the product is a significant factor in oral preparation. DMSO sold for human consumption should be pharmaceutical-grade, often referred to as 99.9% pure. Users are advised to avoid industrial-grade products, which may contain impurities readily absorbed into the bloodstream. Even with pharmaceutical-grade products, the lack of a standardized preparation method means there is no single, reliable measure for a typical oral dose.
Immediate and Long-Term Safety Concerns
The decision to take DMSO orally introduces immediate and long-term health and safety concerns. The most distinctive side effect is a powerful, pervasive garlic-like odor on the breath and skin, which occurs as the body metabolizes DMSO into dimethyl sulfide. Other immediate side effects reported include gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, dizziness, and headaches.
A significant concern is the potential for adverse interactions with other medications. Because DMSO enhances the absorption of other compounds, it can increase the potency of prescription drugs, including sedatives, blood thinners, and steroids. This amplified effect could lead to dangerous or unpredictable outcomes, especially for individuals managing chronic conditions.
The long-term safety profile of oral DMSO is poorly understood due to the lack of extensive, controlled clinical research. Studies in animals have raised concerns about potential toxicity, including reports of liver and kidney damage at high doses, and possible effects on the eyes. Without regulatory oversight, there is also the risk of consuming non-pharmaceutical grade products contaminated with toxic industrial impurities. Anyone considering internal use of DMSO should first consult with a licensed healthcare professional.