Dimexide

Dimexide is a drug that is widely used as an anti-inflammatory and anesthetic agent. It is used topically to relieve symptoms of inflammation, as well as to treat some other diseases, mainly affecting the musculoskeletal system.

The active ingredient Dimexide - dimethyl sulfoxide - is a colorless liquid of viscous consistency. As a medicine, it is available in the form of aqueous solutions (10-50%) and a colorless or yellowish transparent gel with a characteristic specific odor. The substance is also often used as part of various ointments.

What is Dimexide used for?

The drug is prescribed for problems with the functioning of the musculoskeletal system. In addition, in case of subcutaneous damage to soft tissues, Dimexide actively relieves the inflammatory process. The ability of the drug to enhance the effect of other drugs is often used by doctors in antibacterial therapy. Direct indications for prescribing Dimexide are:

bursitis;
arthrosis;
arthritis;
radiculitis;
gout;
osteochondrosis;
pain syndrome due to intervertebral hernia;
scleroderma;
skin ulcers;
swelling accompanied by pain;
synovitis

In addition to the above problems, Dimexide is also used in other areas, including cosmetology.

Dosage form

Concentrate for preparing a solution for external use.

Compound

Dimethyl sulfoxide – 50, 100 ml

Description

Colorless transparent liquid or colorless crystals, odorless or with a weak specific odor. Hygroscopic.

Pharmacotherapeutic group

Anti-inflammatory agent for topical use

ATX code: M02AH0Z

Pharmacological properties

Pharmacodynamics

Anti-inflammatory drug for external use, inactivates hydroxyl radicals, improves the course of metabolic processes in the site of inflammation. It also has local anesthetic, analgesic and antimicrobial effects; has moderate fibrinolytic activity. Penetrates through the skin, mucous membranes, the membrane of microbial cells (increases their sensitivity to antibiotics) and other biological membranes, increases their permeability to drugs.

Pharmacokinetics

When a solution of dimethyl sulfoxide is applied to the skin, it is detected in the blood after 5 minutes, reaching its maximum concentration after 4-6 hours, maintaining an almost unchanged level for 1.5-3 days. Dimethyl sulfoxide is excreted in urine and feces, both unchanged and in the form of dimethyl sulfone.

Indications for use

As part of complex therapy: diseases of the musculoskeletal system: rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (ankylosing spondylitis), deforming osteoarthritis (in the presence of damage to periarticular tissues), reactive synovitis; limited scleroderma, erythema nodosum, discoid lupus erythematosus, mycoses of the feet, keloid scars, thrombophlebitis, alopecia, eczema, streptoderma, erysipelas, bruises, sprains, traumatic infiltrates, purulent wounds, burns, radiculitis, trophic ulcers, acne, furunculosis; in skin plastic surgery – preservation of skin homografts.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, severe hepatic and/or renal failure, angina pectoris, severe atherosclerosis, glaucoma, cataracts, stroke, coma, myocardial infarction, pregnancy, breastfeeding. Do not administer to children under twelve years of age.

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is contraindicated.

Directions for use and doses

Externally, in the form of applications and irrigations (washes). Gauze wipes are moistened in a solution of the required concentration and applied to the affected areas for 20-30 minutes. A plastic film and cotton or linen cloth are placed on top of the napkin. The duration of applications is 10-15 days.

When treating erysipelas and trophic ulcers - in the form of a 30-50% solution in water, 50-100 ml 2-3 times a day.

For eczema, streptoderma - compresses with a 40-90% solution in water.

For local anesthesia for pain syndromes - a 25-50% solution in water in the form of compresses of 100-150 ml (depending on the area being treated) 2-3 times a day.

For facial skin and other highly sensitive areas, use 10-20-30% solutions in water.

In skin plastic surgery, a 5% solution in Ringer's solution is used as a preservative medium for storing skin homografts.

Purulent-necrotic and inflammatory foci and cavities are washed with less concentrated solutions.

Side effect

Allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, erythematous rashes, dry skin, mild burning, itchy dermatitis; rarely – bronchospasm.

Overdose

Symptoms: increased dose-dependent side effects. Treatment is symptomatic.

Interaction with other drugs

Increases absorption and enhances the effect of ethanol, insulin and other drugs. Compatible with heparin, antibacterial drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Increases the sensitivity of microorganisms to aminoglycoside and beta-lactam antibiotics; chloramphenicol, rifampicin, griseofulvin. Sensitizes the body to drugs for general anesthesia.

special instructions

Some patients smell garlic in the air they breathe. Before using the drug, it is necessary to test for tolerance to it. To do this, dimethyl sulfoxide of the required concentration is applied to the skin using a cotton swab soaked in it; the appearance of hyperemia and severe itching indicates hypersensitivity.

When stored at a temperature of 18 °C and below, crystallization of dimethyl sulfoxide occurs, which does not affect the quality of the drug. To melt the crystals, carefully heat the bottle with the drug in a water bath (water temperature no higher than 60 ° C).

Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and machinery

The use of the drug does not affect the ability to perform potentially hazardous activities that require increased concentration, special attention and speed of psychomotor reactions (driving vehicles, working with moving mechanisms, working as a dispatcher and operator).

Release form

Concentrate for preparing a solution for external use 99%.

50, 100 ml in orange glass bottles with a screw neck, sealed with polyethylene stoppers and screw caps. Each bottle with instructions for use is placed in a cardboard pack.

Best before date

2 years. Do not use after the expiration date.

Storage conditions

In a dry place, protected from light, at a temperature not exceeding 25 ° C.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Vacation conditions

Dispensed by prescription.

How to dilute Dimexide for hair

As a result of the fact that Dimexide was seen as a kind of catalyst for some local drugs, which quickly penetrated the cellular barrier deep into the tissues, Dimexide began to be used as part of cosmetic masks.

In particular, by mixing a teaspoon of the substance concentrate with essential oils, lemon juice, aloe extract and honey, you get an effective hair mask. Its regular use relieves hair from brittleness, gives rich shine and restores natural growth. And if you mix a teaspoon of Dimexide with ground red pepper and apply it to the scalp, holding for 15 minutes, you can wake up dormant bulbs, resulting in thicker curls.

Indications for use

Dimexide has proven itself in the following diseases and problems:

swelling of various origins;
sprain;
wounds with discharge of pus;
burns;
trophic ulcers;
eczema;
alopecia;
acne;
lymphostasis;
thrombophlebitis.

Many doctors prescribe the remedy for diseases of the musculoskeletal system such as radiculitis, osteoarthritis, and arthritis. Dimexide is used in combination with other medications and medical procedures.

The product is used for gout, bruises, and to quickly break down traumatic infiltrates.

Dimexide has found application in gynecology. It is prescribed for cervical erosion, thrush, complications resulting from gynecological interventions and childbirth.

Due to its anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effect, the product is often used in cosmetology to combat wrinkles, acne, pimples and cellulite.

In dentistry, Dimexide is effective against inflammatory reactions in the maxillofacial part.

How to dilute Dimexide for boils

Inflammation of the skin glands, which develop into boils, is often accompanied by a local increase in temperature and tension on the skin surface. In order to relieve pain and reduce tissue tension due to growing inflammation, dilute Dimexide in warm water in the proportion of 1 ml of concentrate per 10 ml of clean water. Cotton pads are soaked in the resulting solution and applied to the boils. It is important not to rub, rub, or knead an unruptured boil. Safe use is considered to be simply applying a moistened swab to the inflamed area.

How to take it correctly

Solution

The drug in the form of a solution is used externally. The product is washed over the affected areas of the body and used in the form of applications.

Dip a gauze cloth into the prepared solution and apply it to the damaged area for half an hour. Secure the top with a cloth. The procedure must be done 2-3 times a day for 12-14 days.

Gel

The gel can be used externally by patients over 12 years of age. Apply a thin layer of gel to the affected area. Carry out the procedure 1-3 times a day. The treatment course lasts from 12 to 14 days. If you need to resume the course, you should take a break for 10 days.

How to dilute Dimexide for heel spurs

The situation with inflammation of the heel, called a heel spur, can be resolved not only through surgery. In some situations, a conservative method using Dimexide may help. It is important to begin treatment at the first signs of inflammation in order to prevent the disease from entering an irreversible phase when the help of a surgeon is required. For spurs, use a concentration of Dimexide diluted in water in a one to one ratio. Taking 20 ml of the drug you need to add 20 ml of water.

For severe pain, novocaine 2% is added to the solution in a volume equal to the amount of Dimexide and water. A cloth is moistened in the resulting liquid and placed on the sore spot. The compress is covered with polyethylene and a wool sock is put on.

Dimexide for sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the maxillary sinuses, accompanied by an accumulation of mucus pressing on the nasal cartilage from the inside. The disease may be accompanied by redness of the skin over the sinuses, as well as an increase in temperature, which is localized in the area of the inflammatory process. Dimexide will help relieve swelling of the mucous membranes and reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. It is mixed with saline solution in a ratio of 1:3.

You can also add aloe juice or vasoconstrictor nasal drops, for example, naphthyzine or phenylephrine. After moistening cotton swabs in the resulting solution, they are inserted into each nasal passage and kept in this position for up to 20 minutes. This treatment can be repeated for up to 7 days in a row.

Adverse reactions

The use of Dimexide, like any other drug, can lead to unpleasant side reactions. Among them:

redness of skin areas;
burning in the area of application;
allergic reactions, manifested by nasal congestion, drainage from the eyes, bronchospasm and rhinitis;
skin pigmentation;
nausea;
muscle weakness;
dizziness;

At the first signs of illness as a result of using Dimexide, you should definitely stop therapy and discuss what happened with your doctor.

Pharmacological action of Dimexide

Dimexide has the appearance of an oily liquid with a yellowish tint and a faint odor, somewhat reminiscent of garlic. Studies of the properties of Dimexide, reviews confirm this, have shown that the substance has a truly unique ability to easily penetrate the bloodstream through intact skin. Within a few minutes after applying a small amount of the product to the skin, the air exhaled by a person acquires a garlicky odor. And after five to six minutes, the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide molecules can be detected in the blood. The maximum concentration of the substance in the blood plasma is observed after approximately 2-8 hours and gradually falls over the next 36-72 hours.

Another equally important feature of dimethyl sulfoxide is that this substance is an excellent solvent: it is capable of dissolving substances of various chemical structures and origins, including antibiotics, salts, alkaloids, hormones, cytostatic drugs and vitamins. In addition, it significantly accelerates the transdermal penetration of a wide variety of compounds without affecting their composition and pharmacological properties: the use of Dimexide compresses facilitates the penetration into the body of heparin for thrombophlebitis, glucocorticoids for eczema, and antimicrobial agents in the treatment of diseases such as furunculosis or erysipelas, etc.

At the same time, the combination of Dimexide with other biologically active substances enhances the effect of the latter. This is due to the fact that when used in the form of applications, they penetrate into the blood much faster than if they passed through the organs of the digestive system. The use of Dimexide as a highly effective solvent for the preparation of transdermal drugs not only improves the permeability of other biologically active ingredients, but also in some cases makes it possible to significantly reduce their concentration and, accordingly, the load on the body as a whole. Adding dimexide to prednisolone ointment in an amount equal to 20% of the volume of the ointment makes it possible to reduce the recommended therapeutic dose of prednisolone by 8-10 times, without reducing the therapeutic effect.

Reviews of Dimexide confirm the fact that its use in combination with other drugs allows for more economical use of expensive drugs, and also, by reducing the concentration of their active substance, prevents the development of unwanted side reactions.