Dimethylsulfoxide (dmso) - Zovirax (Acyclovir) Interaction
Herbal: Dimethylsulfoxide (dmso)
Also Known As: Dimethyl Sulfoxide, Dimethyl Sulphoxide, Dimethylis Sulfoxidum
Drug: Acyclovir
Brand names:
Zovirax, Zovirax Injection, Sitavig, Avaclyr
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 18, 2025
Interaction Details
Acyclovir is classified as belonging to the following category: Topical Drugs
Topical DMSO might increase the effects and adverse effects of topical drugs.
Evidence from animal studies and limited human studies suggests that DMSO may potentiate the action of numerous topical medications by increasing their absorption through the skin. This increase in absorption seems to depend on the concentration of DMSO and the molecular weight of the medication.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Jacob SW, Herschler R. Pharmacology of DMSO. Cryobiology 1986;23:14-27.
- Capriotti K, Capriotti JA. Dimethyl sulfoxide: history, chemistry, and clinical utility in dermatology. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012;5(9):24-6.
- DOMOSO SOLUTION (90% Dimethyl Sulfoxide). Fort Dodge Animal Health, Fort Dodge, Iowa. Avaliable at: https://www.zoetisus.com/_locale-assets/mcm-portal-assets/products/pdf/domoso_solution_pi.pdf. Accessed 8/3/2020.
Dimethylsulfoxide (dmso) Overview
Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is a colorless, odorless liquid that has a number of industrial and medical uses.
In a medicinal sense, DMSO is most commonly used as a topical pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent. It is applied to the skin as a cream or gel, and is sometimes used to treat conditions such as muscle strains, sprains, and arthritis. DMSO is also an FDA-approved treatment for interstitial cystitis, a condition that causes bladder pain and frequent urination, when given via intravesical instillation (administration directly into the bladder).
DMSO is often added to topical preparations to increase the skin penetration of some medications.
Acyclovir Overview
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Acyclovir is used to decrease pain and speed the healing of sores or blisters in people who have varicella (chickenpox), herpes zoster (shingles; a rash that can occur in people who have had chickenpox in the past), and first-time or repeat outbreaks of genital herpes (a herpes virus infection that causes sores to form around the genitals and rectum from time to time). Acyclovir is also sometimes used to prevent outbreaks of genital herpes in people who are infected with the virus. Acyclovir is in a class of antiviral medications called synthetic nucleoside analogues. It works by stopping the spread of the herpes virus in the body. Acyclovir will not cure genital herpes and may not stop the spread of genital herpes to other people.
Dimethylsulfoxide (dmso) - More Interactions
Dimethylsulfoxide (dmso) interacts with 326 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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