Do I need a prescription for Dimethyl sulfoxide 97%-100% solution?

Dimethyl sulfoxide 97%-100% solution is classified as a Valid as a prescribable product in the UK. However, always consult a pharmacist or doctor before use. (Source: NHS dm+d)

What are the brand names for Dimethyl sulfoxide 97%-100% solution?

Dimethyl sulfoxide 97%-100% solution is the generic name. It is available under brand names including: Dimethyl sulfoxide 97%-100% solution. (Source: NHS dm+d — Actual Medicinal Products)

Dimethyl sulfoxide 97%-100% solution

Prescription only

Requires a prescription from a doctor or prescriber

Other

97%

Other

A highly polar organic liquid, that is used widely as a chemical solvent.

Active ingredients:

Dimethyl sulfoxide

BNF classificationBrowse formulary

Where this medicine sits in the British National Formulary — the UK's standard prescribing reference

BNF 19.04

Chemical classBrowse classes

Classification based on the molecule's chemical structure and properties

Check interactions for Dimethyl sulfoxide

No active safety alerts

Official documents, adverse reaction reporting, and safety monitoring

Report a side effect

Submit a Yellow Card report to the MHRA

Official medicine documents

Yellow Card

Report side effects (MHRA)

Drug safety updates

MHRA alerts for Dimethyl sulfoxide

Source: MHRA Products DatabaseOGL 3.0

Updated 3 months ago(16 Jan 2026)

Safety monitoring data

Yellow Card reports

MHRA

The MHRA Yellow Card scheme collects reports of suspected side effects from healthcare professionals and patients. View the Drug Analysis Profile (iDAP) for real-world adverse reaction data.

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Report a side effect

Submit a Yellow Card report to the MHRA

Data from the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. A reported reaction does not necessarily mean the medicine caused it. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

EudraVigilance

EMA

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) collects suspected adverse reaction reports from across the EU/EEA through the EudraVigilance system. Search for safety data on this medicine.

View EudraVigilance report

Suspected adverse reactions reported for Dimethyl sulfoxide

About EudraVigilance

Learn about EU pharmacovigilance and safety monitoring

EudraVigilance data is published by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). A suspected adverse reaction is not necessarily caused by the medicine.

1 branded products available

1 productsShow details

1 products

Possibly available on the UK marketRestricted supplyDiscontinuedAvailability per NHS dm+d

MHRA licensed products

View all licensed products for Dimethyl sulfoxide on the MHRA register

Dimethyl sulfoxide 97%-100% solution

Special Order

None

Special

Source: NHS dm+dOGL 3.0

Updated about 1 month ago(1 Mar 2026)

Therapeutically similar medicines

10 similarShow details

Magnesium oxide heavy 100mg capsules

Capsule

100mg

Same BNF section

Ammonia solution strong

Other

Same BNF section

Ammonia solution dilute

Other

Same BNF section

Similarity based on WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification and NHS BNF section grouping. Source data: NHS dm+d via TRUD (OGL v3.0), WHO ATC/DDD Index.

NHS prescribing volume and spending trends

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Clinical guidelines and formulary information

British National Formulary

Dimethyl sulfoxide

BNF

Drug monograph — bnf.nice.org.uk

Source: British National Formulary, NICE. Joint Formulary Committee. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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Pharmacy stock checkers

Search for this medicine at major UK pharmacy chains. These links open the retailer's own website — results depend on their current online catalogue.

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Supply & product information

Official product databases and supply status monitoring

Shortages info

NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS)

emc product search

Discontinuations & alternatives for Dimethyl sulfoxide

Pharmacy links redirect to the retailer's own search and do not represent real-time stock levels. emc (electronic medicines compendium) is operated by Datapharm Ltd. Shortage information sourced from NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS), sps.nhs.uk.

Codes for healthcare professionals and prescribing systems

Show details

These codes are used by healthcare IT systems and prescribers to identify this medicine.

NHS UK identifiers

SNOMED CT

42783411000001102

dm+d ID

42783411000001102

VTM (Virtual Therapeutic Moiety)

775611008

VMP (Virtual Medicinal Product)

42783411000001102

BNF code

19040000

SNOMED CT and dm+d codes from NHS TRUD (Technology Reference data Update Distribution), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. BNF codes from NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA).

Active and completed clinical studies from ClinicalTrials.gov

Show details

Searching UK clinical trials...

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH). Data accessed via ClinicalTrials.gov API v2. Trial information is provided for research purposes and does not constitute medical advice.

Pharmacology and chemical data from DrugBank

go.drugbank.com

Key facts

Drug status

Approved

Major interactions

None known

Half-life

Not available

Mechanism

The mechanism of dimethyl sulfoxide's actions is not well understood.

Food interactions

None known

Human targets

3 targets

Data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0

Pharmacokinetics at a glance

Absorption

Readily and rapidly absorbed following administration by all routes and distributed throughout the body.

Metabolism

Dimethyl sulfoxide is metabolized in man by oxidation to dimethyl sulfone or by reduction in dimethyl sulfide.…

Elimination

Dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethyl sulfone are excreted in the urine and feces.

Pharmacokinetic data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0

Status:

Approved

Investigational

Vet approved

Small molecule

About this compound

A highly polar organic liquid, that is used widely as a chemical solvent. Because of its ability to penetrate biological membranes, it is used as a vehicle for topical application of pharmaceuticals. It is also used to protect tissue during cryopreservation. Dimethyl sulfoxide shows a range of pharmacological activity including analgesia and anti-inflammation.

Properties:

liquid

Avg. mass: 78.13 Da

DrugBank indication

For the symptomatic relief of patients with interstitial cystitis.

Also known as(61)

Dimethyl sulfoxide

Dimethyl sulfur oxide

Dimethyl sulphoxide

Dimethyli sulfoxidum

Dimethylsulfoxid

Diméthylsulfoxyde

Dimetil sulfóxido

DMSO

Dosage forms(8)

Gel (Topical)

Cream (Topical)

Liquid (Topical)

Solution (Topical) — 70 %

Irrigant (Intravesical) — 0.54 g/1mL

Solution (Intravesical) — 500 mg / g

Solution (Topical) — 8 g/100g

Solution (Topical)

Molecular properties(18)

Drug interactions(1069)

Known interactions with other medications. Always consult a healthcare professional.

Cilostazol

Unknown severity

DB01166

The serum concentration of Cilostazol can be increased when it is combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

Eliglustat

Moderate

DB09039

The metabolism of Eliglustat can be decreased when combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

Ibrutinib

Moderate

DB09053

The metabolism of Ibrutinib can be decreased when combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

Colchicine

Moderate

DB01394

The metabolism of Colchicine can be decreased when combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

Fentanyl

Moderate

DB00813

Fentanyl may decrease the excretion rate of Dimethyl sulfoxide which could result in a higher serum level.

Check this interaction

Iloperidone

Moderate

DB04946

The metabolism of Iloperidone can be decreased when combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

Retapamulin

Moderate

DB01256

The metabolism of Retapamulin can be decreased when combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

Tofacitinib

Moderate

DB08895

The metabolism of Tofacitinib can be decreased when combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

Vardenafil

Moderate

DB00862

The metabolism of Vardenafil can be decreased when combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

Eszopiclone

Moderate

DB00402

The metabolism of Eszopiclone can be decreased when combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

Zopiclone

Moderate

DB01198

The metabolism of Zopiclone can be decreased when combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

Lovastatin

Moderate

DB00227

The metabolism of Lovastatin can be decreased when combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

Alfuzosin

Moderate

DB00346

The metabolism of Alfuzosin can be decreased when combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

Dexrazoxane

Moderate

DB00380

The therapeutic efficacy of Dexrazoxane can be decreased when used in combination with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

Alprazolam

Moderate

DB00404

The metabolism of Alprazolam can be decreased when combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

Atomoxetine

Moderate

DB00289

The metabolism of Atomoxetine can be decreased when combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

Sulindac

Moderate

DB00605

The therapeutic efficacy of Sulindac can be decreased when used in combination with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

Warfarin

Unknown severity

DB00682

The serum concentration of Warfarin can be increased when it is combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

Acenocoumarol

Unknown severity

DB01418

The serum concentration of Acenocoumarol can be increased when it is combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

(R)-warfarin

Unknown severity

DB08496

The serum concentration of (R)-warfarin can be increased when it is combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

R,S-Warfarin alcohol

Unknown severity

DB08735

The serum concentration of R,S-Warfarin alcohol can be increased when it is combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

S,R-Warfarin alcohol

Unknown severity

DB08736

The serum concentration of S,R-Warfarin alcohol can be increased when it is combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

(S)-Warfarin

Unknown severity

DB14055

The serum concentration of (S)-Warfarin can be increased when it is combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

Midazolam

Unknown severity

DB00683

The serum concentration of Midazolam can be increased when it is combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

Tacrolimus

Unknown severity

DB00864

The serum concentration of Tacrolimus can be increased when it is combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

Atorvastatin

Moderate

DB01076

The metabolism of Atorvastatin can be decreased when combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

Aripiprazole

Moderate

DB01238

The metabolism of Aripiprazole can be decreased when combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

Aripiprazole lauroxil

Moderate

DB14185

The metabolism of Aripiprazole lauroxil can be decreased when combined with Dimethyl sulfoxide.

Check this interaction

Icosapent

Moderate

DB00159

Icosapent may decrease the excretion rate of Dimethyl sulfoxide which could result in a higher serum level.

Check this interaction

Cefotiam

Moderate

DB00229

Cefotiam may decrease the excretion rate of Dimethyl sulfoxide which could result in a higher serum level.

Check this interaction

Mesalazine

Moderate

DB00244

Mesalazine may decrease the excretion rate of Dimethyl sulfoxide which could result in a higher serum level.

Check this interaction

Cefmenoxime

Moderate

DB00267

Cefmenoxime may decrease the excretion rate of Dimethyl sulfoxide which could result in a higher serum level.

Check this interaction

Cefmetazole

Moderate

DB00274

Cefmetazole may decrease the excretion rate of Dimethyl sulfoxide which could result in a higher serum level.

Check this interaction

Pamidronic acid

Moderate

DB00282

Pamidronic acid may decrease the excretion rate of Dimethyl sulfoxide which could result in a higher serum level.

Check this interaction

Tenofovir disoproxil

Moderate

DB00300

Tenofovir disoproxil may decrease the excretion rate of Dimethyl sulfoxide which could result in a higher serum level.

Check this interaction

Indomethacin

Moderate

DB00328

Indomethacin may decrease the excretion rate of Dimethyl sulfoxide which could result in a higher serum level.

Check this interaction

Cidofovir

Moderate

DB00369

Cidofovir may decrease the excretion rate of Dimethyl sulfoxide which could result in a higher serum level.

Check this interaction

Cefpiramide

Moderate

DB00430

Cefpiramide may decrease the excretion rate of Dimethyl sulfoxide which could result in a higher serum level.

Check this interaction

Ceftazidime

Moderate

DB00438

Ceftazidime may decrease the excretion rate of Dimethyl sulfoxide which could result in a higher serum level.

Check this interaction

Loracarbef

Moderate

DB00447

Loracarbef may decrease the excretion rate of Dimethyl sulfoxide which could result in a higher serum level.

Check this interaction

Cefalotin

Moderate

DB00456

Cefalotin may decrease the excretion rate of Dimethyl sulfoxide which could result in a higher serum level.

Check this interaction

Nabumetone

Moderate

DB00461

Nabumetone may decrease the excretion rate of Dimethyl sulfoxide which could result in a higher serum level.

Check this interaction

Ketorolac

Moderate

DB00465

Ketorolac may decrease the excretion rate of Dimethyl sulfoxide which could result in a higher serum level.

Check this interaction

Tenoxicam

Moderate

DB00469

Tenoxicam may decrease the excretion rate of Dimethyl sulfoxide which could result in a higher serum level.

Check this interaction

Cefotaxime

Moderate

DB00493

Cefotaxime may decrease the excretion rate of Dimethyl sulfoxide which could result in a higher serum level.

Check this interaction

Tolmetin

Moderate

DB00500

Tolmetin may decrease the excretion rate of Dimethyl sulfoxide which could result in a higher serum level.

Check this interaction

Foscarnet

Moderate

DB00529

Foscarnet may decrease the excretion rate of Dimethyl sulfoxide which could result in a higher serum level.

Check this interaction

Rofecoxib

Moderate

DB00533

Rofecoxib may decrease the excretion rate of Dimethyl sulfoxide which could result in a higher serum level.

Check this interaction

Piroxicam

Moderate

DB00554

Piroxicam may decrease the excretion rate of Dimethyl sulfoxide which could result in a higher serum level.

Check this interaction

Fenoprofen

Moderate

DB00573

Fenoprofen may decrease the excretion rate of Dimethyl sulfoxide which could result in a higher serum level.

Check this interaction

Showing 50 of 1069 interactions

Toxicity & overdose

The oral LD₅₀ of dimethyl sulfoxide in the dog is greater than 10 gm/kg. It is improbable that this dosage level could be obtained with intravesical instillation of dimethyl sulfoxide in the patient.

How it works

Mechanism of action

The mechanism of dimethyl sulfoxide's actions is not well understood. Dimethyl sulfoxide has demonstrated antioxidant activity in certain biological settings. For example, the cardiovascular protective effect of dimethyl sulfoxide in copper-deficient rats is thought to occur by an antioxidant mechanism. It is also thought that dimethyl sulfoxide's possible anti-inflammatory activity is due to antioxidant action.

Pharmacodynamics

Dimethyl Sulfoxide may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic activities. Dimethyl Sulfoxide also readily penetrates cellular membranes. The membrane-penetrating ability of dimethyl sulfoxide may enhance diffusion of other substances through the skin. For this reason, mixtures of idoxuridine and dimethyl sulfoxide have been used for topical treatment of herpes zoster in the United Kingdom.

Pharmacokinetics

How the body processes this drug — absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination

Absorption

Readily and rapidly absorbed following administration by all routes and distributed throughout the body.

Metabolism

Dimethyl sulfoxide is metabolized in man by oxidation to dimethyl sulfone or by reduction in dimethyl sulfide. Dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethyl sulfone are excreted in the urine and feces.

Route of elimination

Dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethyl sulfone are excreted in the urine and feces.

Drug targets(3)

Proteins and enzymes this drug interacts with in the body

Interleukin-5 receptor subunit alpha

BE0003471

IL5RA

downregulator

Specific functioncytokine binding

Cellular location

Membrane

General function & pharmacology

Cell surface receptor that plays an important role in the survival, differentiation, and chemotaxis of eosinophils .
PMID:9378992
Acts by forming a heterodimeric receptor with CSF2RB subunit and subsequently binding to interleukin-5 .
PMID:1495999 PMID:22528658
In unstimulated conditions, interacts constitutively with JAK2. Heterodimeric receptor activation leads to JAK2 stimulation and subsequent activation of the JAK-STAT pathway PMID:9516124

Mucin-16

BE0002439

MUC16

downregulator

Cellular location

Cell membrane

General function & pharmacology

Thought to provide a protective, lubricating barrier against particles and infectious agents at mucosal surfaces

Myc proto-oncogene protein

BE0004689

MYC

downregulator

Specific functioncore promoter sequence-specific DNA binding

Cellular location

Nucleus, nucleoplasm

General function & pharmacology

Transcription factor that binds DNA in a non-specific manner, yet also specifically recognizes the core sequence 5'-CACGATG-3' .
PMID:24940000 PMID:25956029
Activates the transcription of growth-related genes .
PMID:24940000 PMID:25956029
Binds to the VEGFA promoter, promoting VEGFA production and subsequent sprouting angiogenesis .
PMID:24940000 PMID:25956029
Regulator of somatic reprogramming, controls self-renewal of embryonic stem cells (By similarity). Functions with TAF6L to activate target gene expression through RNA polymerase II pause release (By similarity). Positively regulates transcription of HNRNPA1, HNRNPA2 and PTBP1 which in turn regulate splicing of pyruvate kinase PKM by binding repressively to sequences flanking PKM exon 9, inhibiting exon 9 inclusion and resulting in exon 10 inclusion and production of the PKM M2 isoform PMID:20010808

Dimethyl sulfoxide 97%-100% solution

Safety & regulatory

Official medicine documents

Safety monitoring data

Yellow Card reports

EudraVigilance

Brand versions and licensed products

Medicines like this

Prescribing statistics

Guidance (NICE / BNF)

British National Formulary

Availability, stocks & shortages

Pharmacy stock checkers

Supply & product information

Professional identifiers

NHS UK identifiers

Clinical trials

DrugBank data

Key facts

Pharmacokinetics at a glance

Absorption

Metabolism

Elimination

Clinical essentials

Pharmacology

Deep science7

Chemical identifiers

Dimethyl sulfoxide

Additional database identifiers

International reference pricing

DrugBank citations

Deep science
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