Methylsulfonylmethane (msm) Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More
What is this page for?
First and foremost: how Methylsulfonylmethane (msm) interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Methylsulfonylmethane (msm) is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.
But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Methylsulfonylmethane (msm) is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Check Methylsulfonylmethane (msm) against your medication
Add one medicationDrugs that interact with Methylsulfonylmethane (msm)
0 medications have a known interaction with Methylsulfonylmethane (msm), graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.
We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Methylsulfonylmethane (msm). This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.
What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean
Severity — How Serious It Can Be
- Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
- Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
- Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
- No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.
Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented
- Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
- Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
- Possible. Interaction 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
- Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
Where This Data Comes From
- Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
- Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Methylsulfonylmethane (msm) combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
- Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Methylsulfonylmethane (msm): Uses, Safety & Side Effects
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a natural sulfur compound that people most often take for joint pain and exercise recovery. Some early research suggests it may modestly help osteoarthritis symptoms, but the evidence is limited and more study is needed. It appears generally well tolerated in the short term, but talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting it.
- Part used
- Not applicable (a sulfur-containing compound)
- Common forms
- Capsules, tablets, powders, creams, and combination joint supplements
- Osteoarthritis and joint pain
- Muscle soreness after exercise
- Inflammation
- Skin and hair health
- Allergy symptoms
Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.
Generally well tolerated short-term, but long-term safety is not well studied.
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
Read the full pregnancy detailInsufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
Read the full breastfeeding detailPregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.
Overview
Methylsulfonylmethane, usually called MSM, is a natural compound that contains sulfur. It is found in small amounts in some plants, animals, and even in the human body. The MSM sold in supplements is almost always made in a laboratory to ensure purity.
Sulfur is an important building block your body uses to make proteins and other tissues. Because of this, MSM is often marketed as a supplement to support joints, muscles, skin, hair, and nails.
People most commonly take MSM by mouth as a capsule, tablet, or powder. It is also found in many combination joint products, often paired with glucosamine and chondroitin. Some creams and lotions list MSM as an ingredient too.
How it works
MSM is a source of sulfur, which the body uses to build proteins, connective tissue, and antioxidants such as glutathione. Supporters believe this may help support joints and other tissues.
In laboratory and animal studies, MSM appears to lower markers of inflammation and oxidative stress (cell damage from unstable molecules). These effects may explain why it is studied for joint pain and exercise recovery.
It is important to know that these mechanisms come largely from test-tube and animal research. How well they translate to real benefits in people is not fully proven.
Does Methylsulfonylmethane (msm) work?
How to read these evidence grades
Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.
Possibly Effective Osteoarthritis
Most clinical research shows that MSM is modestly beneficial when used alone or in combination with other ingredients.
Possibly Ineffective Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
Clinical research suggests that topical MSM is not beneficial in CVI.
Also studied for 34 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Aging skin
It is unclear if oral MSM improves the appearance of aging skin to a clinically meaningful extent.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
It is unclear if oral MSM is beneficial in patients with allergic rhinitis.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Alzheimer disease
Although there is interest in using oral MSM for Alzheimer disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of MSM for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Androgenic alopecia
Although there is interest in using oral and topical MSM for androgenic alopecia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of MSM for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Asthma
Although there is interest in using oral MSM for asthma, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of MSM for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Athletic performance
It is unclear if topical MSM is beneficial for improving athletic performance.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
Oral MSM has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Although there is interest in using oral MSM for CFS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of MSM for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Although there is interest in using oral MSM for COPD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of MSM for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Constipation
Although there is interest in using oral MSM for constipation, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of MSM for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetes
Although there is interest in using oral MSM for diabetes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of MSM for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Dyslipidemia
It is unclear if oral MSM is beneficial for dyslipidemia.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Dyspepsia
Although there is interest in using oral MSM for dyspepsia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of MSM for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Exercise-induced muscle damage
It is unclear if oral MSM is beneficial for preventing exercise-induced muscle damage.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Gingivitis
Oral MSM has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hangover
Although there is interest in using oral MSM for hangover, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of MSM for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hemorrhoids
Topical MSM has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Insect bite
Although there is interest in using oral MSM for preventing insect bites, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of MSM for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Interstitial cystitis
Although there is interest in using oral MSM for interstitial cystitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of MSM for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Knee pain
It is unclear if oral MSM is beneficial for knee pain.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Muscle cramps
Although there is interest in using oral MSM for muscle cramps, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of MSM for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Obesity
It is unclear if oral MSM is beneficial for obesity.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Osteoporosis
Although there is interest in using oral MSM for osteoporosis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of MSM for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Periodontitis
Although there is interest in using topical MSM for periodontitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of MSM for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Pneumonia
Although there is interest in using oral MSM for pneumonia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of MSM for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Postoperative pain
Oral MSM has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Although there is interest in using oral and topical MSM for RA, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of MSM for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Rosacea
Oral MSM has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Scleroderma
Although there is interest in using oral and topical MSM for scleroderma, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of MSM for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Stretch marks (striae distensae)
Although there is interest in using topical MSM for stretch marks, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of MSM for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Although there is interest in using oral MSM for SLE, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of MSM for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Although there is interest in using oral MSM for TMD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of MSM for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Tendinopathy
Oral MSM has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Wound healing
Although there is interest in using topical MSM for wound healing, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of MSM for this condition.
Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.
Safety & precautions
MSM appears to be generally well tolerated when taken by mouth for short periods, usually up to a few months in studies. However, its long-term safety has not been well studied.
People with kidney or liver problems, or any chronic health condition, should check with a doctor or pharmacist before using MSM. If you have a known sulfa or sulfur sensitivity, talk to a healthcare provider first, though MSM is chemically different from sulfa drugs.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable safety information for these situations. To be safe, MSM should be avoided if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless your doctor specifically advises otherwise.
As with any supplement, choose products from reputable brands, since supplements are not tightly regulated and quality can vary.
Side effects
When side effects occur, they are usually mild. Reported effects include nausea, bloating, diarrhea, stomach upset, headache, and fatigue.
Some people notice mild skin reactions when using MSM-containing creams. Serious reactions appear to be rare, but allergic reactions are always possible. Stop using MSM and seek medical care if you develop a rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.
If any side effect is bothersome or does not go away, stop the supplement and talk with your pharmacist or doctor.
Methylsulfonylmethane (msm): Reported Adverse Effects
Documented safety reports on Methylsulfonylmethane (msm) from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.
Orally, MSM is generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Bloating, diarrhea, gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea.
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) Immunologic
Cluster headache Neurologic/CNS
Orally, MSM may cause headache, fatigue, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating.
- Barrager E, Veltmann JR Jr, Schauss AG, Schiller RN. A multicentered, open-label trial on the safety and efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. J Altern Complement Med 2002;8:167-73.
- Kim LS, Axelrod LJ, Howard P, et al. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2006;14:286-94.
Diarrhea Gastrointestinal
Orally, MSM may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, bloating, and diarrhea.
- Barrager E, Veltmann JR Jr, Schauss AG, Schiller RN. A multicentered, open-label trial on the safety and efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. J Altern Complement Med 2002;8:167-73.
- Usha PR, Naidu MU. Randomised, Double-Blind, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Study of Oral Glucosamine, Methylsulfonylmethane and their Combination in Osteoarthritis. Clin Drug Investig. 2004;24(6):353-63.
Glaucoma Ocular/Otic
In a case report, a 35-year-old female presented with bilateral acute angle closure glaucoma, which resolved 4 days after discontinuing a multi-ingredient product. Although the product contained over 35 vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients, only MSM contained sulfur, which the authors suggest acted like a sulfa-drug to cause acute angle closure glaucoma.
Pruritus Dermatologic
In rare cases, MSM has caused pruritus when taken orally.
Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
Dosing
There is no official or standardized dose of MSM. Studies have used a wide range of amounts, and the best dose is not clearly established.
The safest approach is to follow the directions on the product label and not take more than recommended. If a product combines MSM with other ingredients, read the full label so you know everything you are taking.
Before starting MSM, check with your pharmacist or doctor, especially if you take other medicines or have health conditions. They can help you decide if it is appropriate and what amount is reasonable.
Methylsulfonylmethane (msm) & Pregnancy
Methylsulfonylmethane (msm) & Breastfeeding
© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center
Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
References & further reading
The 4 references that drive our Methylsulfonylmethane (msm) monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
- Barrager E, Veltmann JR Jr, Schauss AG, Schiller RN. A multicentered, open-label trial on the safety and efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. J Altern Complement Med 2002;8:167-73. PubMed
- Usha PR, Naidu MU. Randomised, Double-Blind, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Study of Oral Glucosamine, Methylsulfonylmethane and their Combination in Osteoarthritis. Clin Drug Investig. 2004;24(6):353-63. PubMed
- Kim LS, Axelrod LJ, Howard P, et al. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2006;14:286-94. PubMed
- Hwang JC, Khine KT, Lee JC, Boyer DS, Francis BA. Methyl-sulfonyl-methane (MSM)-induced acute angle closure. J Glaucoma. 2015 Apr-May;24(4):e28-30. PubMed
This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.
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
Methylsulfonylmethane (msm): Common Questions
What is Methylsulfonylmethane (msm) used for, and does it work?
Does Methylsulfonylmethane (msm) interact with prescription medications?
How are Methylsulfonylmethane (msm) interactions rated?
Is it safe to take Methylsulfonylmethane (msm) with my medications?
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Can I take MSM while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Does MSM contain sulfa or affect people with sulfa allergies?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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