Dimethylsulfoxide (dmso) - Flagyl (Metronidazole) Interaction
Herbal: Dimethylsulfoxide (dmso)
Also Known As: Dimethyl Sulfoxide, Dimethyl Sulphoxide, Dimethylis Sulfoxidum
Drug: Metronidazole
Brand names:
Flagyl, Protostat, Metronidazole, Nidazol, Trikacide, MetroGel, Flagyl IV, Metronidazole Redi-Infusion, Flagyl IV RTU, Metro IV, Anabact, Metrosa, Metrotop, Noritate, Rozex Cream, Rozex Gel, Zyomet
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 18, 2025
Interaction Details
Metronidazole 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.
Metronidazole Overview
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Metronidazole capsules and tablets are used to treat infections of the reproductive system, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, skin, heart, bone, joint, lung, blood, nervous system, and other areas of the body. Metronidazole capsules and tablets are also used to treat sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Metronidazole extended-release (long-acting) tablets are used to treat bacterial vaginosis (an infection caused by too much of certain types of harmful bacteria in the vagina) in women. Metronidazole is in a class of medications called nitroimidazole antimicrobials. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
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Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
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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In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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