#crystalline dmso (dimethylsulfoxide)

[siglerprescriptiondrugcards]

MSM

Scientific Names: Methylsulfonylmethane Other Common Names: Crystalline DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide), dimethyl sulfone, DMSO2, methyl sulfone, sulfonyl sulfur, mineral sulfur Overall Safety: 😊  

Therapeutic Efficacy and Considerations:

Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: 😐 At this time, only one case series has examined the effects of MSM. Although results were promising, the evidence is insufficient to recommend MSM for this indication. Usual dose is 2600-5200 mg per day in divided doses.

Osteoarthritis: 😐 After a tiny pilot study demonstrated some benefit with 2250 mg//day, two trials have noted benefit for OA symptoms with doses of 500 TID (with and without glucosamine) and up to 3 gm BID. At all doses, side effects were minimal. More research is warranted to determine extent of efficacy and long-term safety. At this time, evidence is insufficient to support a general recommendation for use, especially in MSM in light of safer and more well-studied dietary supplement options, such as glucosamine. Patients taking combination glucosamine and MSM products do not necessarily need to be discouraged from using but should be closely monitored. The usual dose is 1500-3000 mg per day in divided doses.

Chemistry/Pharmacology: MSM is the crystalline oxidation product and metabolite of DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide), an industrial solvent that also has FDA approval for treatment of interstitial nephritis. The compound occurs in animal and human adrenal glands, milk, and urine, as well as many food plants and fruits. As dimethyl sulfoxide, MSM is considered a sulfur source for amino acid synthesis. It is thought that sulfur donation may be responsible for effects in arthritis and other connective tissue diseases. Animal and in vitro studies of DMSO suggest free radical scavenger properties, as well as a reduction in synovial proliferation, and decreases prostacyclin and prostaglandin synthesis. It is unknown if oral MSM possesses these same properties.

Drug Interactions: No known drug interactions exist.

Contraindications/Precautions: Use with caution during pregnancy and lactation due to unknown effects. Use with caution in patients with a sulfa allergy. Note: Commercially available MSM may be prepared from industrial-grade DMSO, rather than from pharmaceutical-grade DMSO, resulting in potential for impurities.

Adverse Effects: May cause gastrointestinal distress, cramping, and diarrhea, pruritus, an increase in allergy symptoms, and headache.