Dimexide

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. Dimexide shows a range of pharmacological activity including analgesia and anti-inflammation. [PubChem]

Dimexide® brand of Dimexide is indicated for the symptomatic relief of patients with interstitial cystitis. Dimexide® (dmso) solution has not been approved as being safe and effective for any other indication. There is no clinical evidence of effectiveness of Dimexide in the treatment of bacterial infections of the urinary tract.

Dimexide is a purified preparation used in the bladder to relieve the symptoms of the bladder condition called interstitial cystitis. A catheter (tube) or syringe is used to put the solution into the bladder where it is allowed to remain for about 15 minutes. Then, the solution is expelled by urinating.

Interstitial cystitis is the only human use for Dimexide that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Claims that Dimexide is effective for treating various types of arthritis, ulcers in scleroderma, muscle sprains and strains, bruises, infections of the skin, burns, wounds, and mental conditions have not been proven.

Although other preparations of Dimexide are available for industrial and veterinary (animal) use, they must not be used by humans, because of their unknown purity. Impurities in these preparations may cause serious unwanted effects in humans. Even if Dimexide is applied to the skin, it is absorbed into the body through the skin and mucous membranes.

Dimexide is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Instillation of 50 mL of Dimexide® brand of Dimexide directly into the bladder may be accomplished by catheter or syringe and allow to remain for 15 minutes. Application of an analgesic lubricant gel such as lidocaine jelly to the urethra is suggested prior to insertion of the catheter to avoid spasm. The medication is expelled by spontaneous voiding.

It is recommended that the treatment be repeated every two weeks until maximum symptomatic relief is obtained. Thereafter, time intervals between therapy may be increased appropriately.

Administration of oral analgesic medication suppositories containing belladonna and opium prior to the instillation of Dimexide® (dmso) solution can reduce bladder spasm.

In patients with severe interstitial cystitis with very sensitive bladders, the initial treatment, and possibly the second and third (depending on patient response) should be done under anesthesia. (Saddle block has been suggested.)

How supplied

Bottles contain 50 mL of sterile and non-pyrogenic Dimexide® (dmso) (50% w/w Dimexide aqueous solution).

Dimexide is clear and colorless.

Protect from strong light. Store at room temperatures 59° to 86° F (15° to 30°C).

NDC #67457-177-50

REFERENCES

1. Photographs courtesy of Interstitial Cystitis Association and C. Lowell Parsons, M.D.

2. Erickson DR. Interstitial Cystitis: Update on Etiologies and Therapeutic Options. J Women's Health & Gender-Based Med 1999; 6:745.

3. Parkin J, et al. Intravesical Dimexide (DMSO) for Interstitial Cystitis -A Practical Approach. Urology, 1997; 49(5A, Suppl):106.

4. Sant GR, et al. Intravesical 50% Dimexide (Dimexide® (dmso) solution) in Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis. Urology 1987; 29(4, Suppl):19.

Manufactured for: Bioniche Pharma USA LLC, Lake Forest, IL 60045. Manufactured by: Bioniche Teo., Inverin, Co. Galway, Ireland.

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Dimexide?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to Dimexide.

Before you receive Dimexide, tell your doctor if you have cancer of your bladder or kidneys. You may not be able to use this medication, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Dimexide will not treat a bacterial or fungal infection of the bladder.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

You may notice a garlic- or onion-like taste in your mouth while you are receiving Dimexide. This effect may last for several hours after you receive the medication, and you may also sense these odors on your breath or skin. This is a normal side effect of Dimexide and is not cause for alarm.

Use Dimexide as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Dimexide is usually administered at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Dimexide at home, carefully follow the procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
• If you have severe symptoms or an especially sensitive bladder, the first few treatments may be performed while you are under anesthesia.
• Dimexide is placed into the bladder by catheter or special syringe. An analgesic gel may be applied prior to insertion of the catheter to help prevent spasms and discomfort.
• This treatment may be repeated every 2 weeks until relief of symptoms occurs, unless prescribed differently by your doctor. After you experience relief, the treatment may be repeated less often as determined by your doctor.
• It may take several weeks for the full benefit of Dimexide to be seen. Do not stop using Dimexide without talking with your doctor.
• If you miss a dose of Dimexide, contact your doctor immediately.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Dimexide.

See also:
What other drugs will affect Dimexide?

DMSO present in the gel Dimexide promotes the penetration of many active ingredients, including dermal part is difficult. To avoid adverse effects from these substances, should apply to any other drug preparation on the area of skin damage or, if necessary, carefully clean that area immediately before or after using Dimexide.

The simultaneous use of sulindac (Clinoril ®), an anti-inflammatory drug, can cause peripheral neuropathy.

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Dimexide?

Applies to Dimexide: intravesical solution

In addition to its needed effects, some unwanted effects may be caused by Dimexide (the active ingredient contained in Dimexide). In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require medical attention.

Major Side Effects

You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur when taking Dimexide:

• Nasal congestion
• shortness of breath or troubled breathing
• skin rash, hives, or itching
• swelling of face

Some patients may have some discomfort during the time this medicine is being put into the bladder. However, the discomfort usually becomes less each time the medicine is used.

Dimexide may cause you to have a garlic-like taste within a few minutes after the medicine is put into the bladder. This effect may last for several hours. It may also cause your breath and skin to have a garlic-like odor, which may last up to 72 hours.