Dimethyl Sulfoxide USP (DMSO USP) used in topical and parenteral drug delivery. Details of DMSO in approved products can be located in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-Center for Drug Evaluation and Research’s database Inactive Ingredient Search for Approved Drug Products.

Topical dosages
Dimethyl Sulfoxide USP has been recognized for many years as a topical penetration enhancer. Both human and animal health applications currently exist. Solvent properties of DMSO may allow for higher loading of the API in semisolid products.

Parenteral
Approved applications exist for Dimethyl Sulfoxide USP where it provides solubility to the API. Worldwide many innovative applications are currently being evaluated for small volume parenterals and vaccine delivery. Carbohydrate solubility may be enhanced for parenteral applications through the use of DMSO. DMSO may be required in the delivery of genetic material either in the form of cells or fragments. DMSO USP is also used to solubilize polymers during processing of these dosages.

Related Resources

DMSO USP Grade Product Sheet : Learn more about applications for Dimethyl Sulfoxide USP.

Bulletin: DMSO Solutions for Pharma: More about the use of DMSO "From Benchtop to Bedside"

Bulletin 102: A detailed survey of DMSO solubility data.