Dimethylsulfoxide (dmso) - Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin) Interaction
Herbal: Dimethylsulfoxide (dmso)
Also Known As: Dimethyl Sulfoxide, Dimethyl Sulphoxide, Dimethylis Sulfoxidum
Drug: Oxaliplatin
Brand names:
Eloxatin
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 04, 2025
Interaction Details
Oxaliplatin is classified as belonging to the following category: Platinum Agents
Theoretically, using DMSO as a solvent for platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents may reduce chemotherapeutic effects.
In vitro research shows that DMSO reduces the cytotoxicity of cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin by inducing ligand displacement.
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
- Hall MD, Telma KA, Chang KE, Lee TD, Madigan JP, Lloyd JR, Goldlust IS, Hoeschele JD, Gottesman MM. Say no to DMSO: dimethylsulfoxide inactivates cisplatin, carboplatin, and other platinum complexes. Cancer Res. 2014 Jul 15;74(14):3913-22. doi: 10.1158/00
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.
Oxaliplatin Overview
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Oxaliplatin is used with other medications to treat advanced colon or rectal cancer (cancer that begins in the large intestine). Oxaliplatin is also used with other medications to prevent colon cancer from spreading in people who have had surgery to remove the tumor. Oxaliplatin is in a class of medications called platinum-containing antineoplastic agents. It works by killing cancer cells.
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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