Dimexide: how to take the drug

Release form of the drug, its composition

The main component of the drug is dimethyl sulfoxide, a synthetic low-toxic transparent substance that tends to heat up when interacting with water and quickly penetrate into cell membranes. There are several dosage forms of Dimexide:

1. Liquid concentrate - intended for the preparation of aqueous solutions. Produced in dark glass bottles of 40, 50, 60, 80, as well as 100 or 120 ml.
2. Gel, which contains additional components - nipazole, carmellose sodium, nipagin, purified water. The concentration of the active substance can be 25 or 50 percent. The drug is marketed in aluminum tubes of 30 or 40 g.

3. Ointments, which include 30% dimethyl sulfoxide, as well as polyethylene oxide gel 1500 (68%) and emulsifiers (2%).
4. Rectal suppositories, the effect of Dimexide is complemented by propolis.

The shelf life of the drug is 2 years from the date of release. Dimexide should be stored in a dark, dry place at temperatures up to 25 °C.

When stored in a cool place, the Dimexide solution crystallizes.

This does not mean that the drug has become unusable - before use it should simply be heated in a water bath.

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In pharmacy chains, Dimexide is sold without a prescription and is intended for external use only. Most often, applications, compresses, lotions, and irrigations are made based on it. The use of concentrate in its pure form is prohibited.

Pharmacological properties

Penetrating through the skin and mucous membranes, Dimexide has the following therapeutic effects:

• stops the inflammatory process in affected tissues;
• relieves swelling and redness;
• produces an antiseptic effect, has a detrimental effect on pathogenic microflora of viral, bacterial or fungal origin;
• eliminates pain and increased sensitivity by blocking nerve endings in the affected area;

• improves metabolism, accelerates healing and restoration of damaged tissues.

Dimexide also acts as a conductor, therefore it improves the permeability of other medications, thereby enhancing their therapeutic effect.

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Medicine for children

The drug is approved for use by children over 12 years of age. It is prescribed for problems with the musculoskeletal system, ulcerative and purulent lesions of the skin, burns, eczema, and diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

The product is used for compresses, which provide excellent warmth, prevent the development of inflammatory processes, and eliminate an unpleasant cough. This method of treatment is suitable for sore throat and pharyngitis. It is best to do compresses before bed.

For bronchitis, this method allows you to improve blood circulation and improve the condition of the bronchi.

Indications for use

The use of Dimexide is indicated for:

• inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which are accompanied by an inflammatory process, intra-articular hemorrhages and severe pain (arthritis, arthrosis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, osteochondrosis);
• inflammatory processes of a post-traumatic nature that developed after bruises, sprains;
• edema, regardless of its origin;
• thrombophlebitis;

• trophic ulcers, lymphostasis or phlegmon;
• skin pathologies - boils, carbuncles, pyoderma, strepto- or scleroderma, erysipelas, erythema;
• purulent wounds;
• burns;
• inflammatory processes in the tissues of the maxillofacial area or salivary glands;
• some autoimmune diseases - rheumatoid arthritis, discoid lupus erythematosus.

The extensive properties of Dimexide allow it to be used for cosmetic defects (acne, acne, keloid scars), as well as for hair problems, including alopecia.

Despite the fact that Dimexide is contraindicated for women during lactation, if lactostasis develops, compresses with this drug can be prescribed. In this case, it is recommended to temporarily interrupt breastfeeding.

Liquid concentrate or suppositories with Dimexide are widely used in urological, gynecological, and proctological practice. For pathologies of the lower respiratory tract, the drug helps relieve inflammation, thin and facilitate the removal of mucus.

Dimexide

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.

Directions for use and dosage

Having understood how Dimexide works and what kind of medicine it is, it is necessary to understand the principle of preparing medicinal compositions based on it. To obtain a Dimexide solution that complies with medical recommendations, it is diluted according to the following scheme:

• A 10% solution is prepared by combining 2 ml of concentrate and 18 ml of water;
• 20% - 2 ml Dimexide and 8 ml water;

• a concentration of 30% will be obtained from 4 ml of medicine diluted with 14 ml of water;
• 40% - 4 ml of the drug per 6 ml of water;
• A 50% solution is formed by combining equal parts of Dimexide and water;
• The 90% remedy is used in severe cases and is prepared from 18 ml of concentrate and 2 ml of water.

Most often, compresses are made from liquid Dimexide. A cotton or gauze napkin is moistened in the prepared solution, applied to the sore spot, covered with polyethylene on top and, if necessary, insulated with a layer of cotton wool or a warm scarf.

Depending on the disease and its manifestations, the patient may be prescribed both compresses and other methods of use:

1. A compress with Dimexide on joints is made from a twenty or thirty percent solution. The number of procedures is up to 3 times per day, each lasting about 30 minutes.

2. For pain in the back, joints, and muscles, an anesthetic mixture is used - 30 ml of water and Dimexide, 20 ml of Novocaine.
3. For pustular pathologies on the skin of the face and body, bacterial dermatological pathologies, a 40% solution is used for applications or irrigations.
4. For trophic ulcers, the affected area is sprayed with a 30% solution 2-3 times a day.
5. For burns, bandages with a 20-30% solution are applied.
6. Eczema and erysipelas are treated with a solution of 50 or 90%.

7. To eliminate post-injection hematomas, prepare a compress consisting of Dimexide with vodka (1 part each) and 4 parts water. The procedure can be carried out for up to 5 days, leaving the compress on all night.
8. For diseases of the lungs and bronchi that are accompanied by a cough, you can prepare a compress by combining the drug and water in a ratio of 1:3. Additional drugs will help speed up the healing process - No-Shpa, Aloe extract, Eufillin, Mukolvan. A doctor prescribes a compress for a child; the ratio of Dimexide to water can vary from 1:4 to 1:10. The duration of the procedure is 1-2 hours.
9. For sinusitis, make a mixture of 25 ml of the drug, one bottle of ampicillin 500 and 10 ml of freshly squeezed aloe juice. The turundas are moistened with the liquid and inserted deep into the nasal passages.

Dimexide in the form of a gel or ointment is intended for local application to joints and facial skin, including after plastic surgery. The procedures are carried out over two weeks, 2-3 times a day.

The gel can be used in compresses, bandages, and also in combination with other medications for external use.

In gynecology, for the treatment of inflammatory pathologies of the fallopian tubes and ovaries, vaginitis, and erosions, the introduction of tampons moistened with Dimexide solution is practiced. Penetrating through the vaginal mucosa, the drug reaches the affected area, accelerating the healing process.

Suppositories with propolis and Dimexide are used to treat gynecological pathologies, inflammation of the prostate gland, and hemorrhoids. For most diseases, the therapeutic course is 10-14 days.

Application of Dimexide in cosmetology

To eliminate various cosmetic defects, the following recipes are used:

1. For acne and irritated skin, combine an equal amount of Dimexide with tea tree oil. The mixture is applied pointwise, left for 3 hours, then washed off with clean water.
2. For extensive acne lesions, it is recommended to wipe the skin twice a day with a lotion prepared from 50 ml of salicylic alcohol, 40 ml of Glycerin, 10 ml of Dioxidin and 4 tablespoons of Dimexide.

3. When shallow wrinkles appear, combine Dimexide with water in a ratio of 1:10 and thoroughly wipe the face with the mixture. Next you need to make a mask from Solcoseryl ointment and leave for an hour. To prevent the product from drying out, it is periodically moistened with warm water.
4. To strengthen weakened hair, masks are prepared from Dimexide and oils - essential, castor, burdock, olive. Oily hair is treated with a mixture of Dimexide (1 tsp), vitamins A and E (5 ml each) and three tablespoons of lemon juice. Before applying to the scalp, the mask is heated in a water bath, then applied and, insulated with cellophane and a towel, left for an hour. Wash off the product with shampoo.

Before using Dimexide for cosmetic purposes, it is better to consult a dermatologist or cosmetologist, since not all specialists approve of this method of treating external defects.

Contraindications for use

The drug is not used to treat patients with individual intolerance to dimethyl sulfoxide, as well as those suffering from serious pathologies of the cardiovascular system (heart defects, previous heart attack, atherosclerosis, angina pectoris), patients in a coma.

Since Dimexide is characterized by a high degree of absorption into the systemic bloodstream, it is used with caution during pregnancy or breastfeeding, liver or kidney failure, ophthalmological pathologies, which are accompanied by clouding of the cornea or increased intraocular pressure.

In pediatric practice, the drug, especially when treating children under 12 years of age, the drug is used only as prescribed by a doctor, who individually selects the proportions of solution dilution and the procedure regimen.

Contraindications

Dimexide should not be used in the following cases:

• impairment of kidney and liver function;
• stroke;
• sensitivity to constituent components;
• angina pectoris;
• cataract;
• coma;
• During pregnancy and breastfeeding.

When prescribing a drug, it is worth taking into account that it enhances the effect and negative impact of many other medications.

If a small amount of the active substance gets inside the body, it will provoke intestinal upset and spasms.

Adverse reactions and overdose

The main side effect after using Dimexide is local allergic reactions - redness, rashes, itching or burning. A test that should be carried out before the first use of the drug will help you avoid such troubles. To do this, the concentrated solution is diluted with water in the ratio recommended by the doctor and the resulting liquid is applied to a small area of ​​skin using a cotton swab.

If after half an hour no atypical phenomena are observed, you can use the product as directed.

Severe burning and blanching of the skin at the site of application of Dimexide indicates a chemical burn.

The affected area should be rinsed with clean, cool water, and then a loose bandage should be applied with any product that contains panthenol.

Other side effects include mild nausea, diarrhea, bronchospasm, dizziness, and insomnia. At the same time, physical rejection of the specific odor of Dimexide is not a contraindication to its use if it is not accompanied by vomiting.

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Exceeding the recommended dose of the drug or using it undiluted is fraught with increased adverse reactions and in some cases requires specific therapy, including the use of antihistamines or hormonal medications.

Analogues and substitutes of Dimexide

To date, there are no structural analogues of the drug. If it is impossible to use Dimexide, the doctor, depending on the nature of the pathology, will select another medicine. Possible substitutes for Dimexide are presented in the table:

As can be seen from the description of drugs similar in their effects, they are all presented in the form of an ointment or gel, which makes the application process convenient. In this case, any of the above drugs should be used independently, while Dimexide is often combined with other drugs, including antibiotics. Therefore, you should not replace it without significant reasons.

Properties of Dimexide

Dimexide, forgotten for a whole century after its invention, is actively used due to features that were discovered much later than its creation:

• has a strong anti-inflammatory effect;
• soothes pain not only in the area of ​​application, but also in any other place (blocks the signal to the pain synapses of the brain);
• has an antipyretic effect;
• helps the body produce interferon faster (to fight viruses);
• stimulates the immune system;
• attaches to water cells in the body (hydration process) and with the help of this moves and transports medicinal substances throughout the organs and systems;
• dilates blood vessels;
• makes human skin resistant to frost (prevents rapid freezing and frostbite)
• has a detrimental effect on bacteria and fungus;
• removes free radicals;
• fights against foreign cells of the body (including malignant tumors);
• has a regenerating effect;
• promotes the resorption of blood clots;
• prevents freezing of water in a solution with it (this property is used in organ transplantation for transportation);
• has an accumulating effect even when using a small amount of the product.