What is the drug Dimexide?
Dimexide is a synthetic drug that is used in both therapeutic and cosmetic procedures.
Therapeutic compresses using Dimexide are most often prescribed to eliminate pain in joints, muscles, and in dermatology.
Solution
Gel
Which compress is best for local anesthesia?
For local anesthesia, a compress with novocaine is most suitable.
The drug, when applied in combination with dimexide, quickly acts on nerve impulses in damaged muscles and joints, localizing pain.
It has a low degree of toxicity and does not cause destructive or irritating changes in body tissues. Additionally, novocaine has antihistamine, antitoxic and antiarrhythmic effects.
To relieve inflammatory processes and quickly suppress unpleasant symptoms, it is better to use a compress with the addition of hydrocortisone.
Release form and cost
Each form of medicine is placed in a cardboard box. Dimexide must be accompanied by instructions for use. The price of the drug in the pharmacy and the release form are listed in the table below.
Release form | average cost |
Dimexide 99% concentrate for making solutions (used externally): glass or plastic vials, 100 ml | 67 rubles |
Dimexide 25% gel, 30 gr. | 178 rubles |
In what form is it produced?
Dimexide has 2 release forms:
- concentrate for preparing the solution;
- gel.
Dimexide concentrate is produced in glass bottles of 50 and 100 ml. 50 and 100 ml contain, respectively, 50 and 100 g of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). 10, 20, 30, 50 and 90% solutions for compresses are prepared from the concentrate by mixing the substance with different volumes of water. The dosage regimen when using the solution is determined individually. The cost of the drug is from 37 rubles.
The gel is produced in aluminum tubes with a volume of 30 ml. The active ingredient in the product is also DMSO – 25 mg.
Auxiliary components:
- nipagin;
- nipazole;
- carmellose sodium.
The gel is used for:
- eliminating pain in diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- treatment of bruises;
- therapy for erythema nodosum.
To achieve the desired therapeutic effect, adults apply the gel in a thin layer to the affected area 1-2 times a day for 10-14 days. The price of the drug is 150 rubles.
Mechanism of action of the drug
The anti-inflammatory properties of the drug are aimed at eliminating the activity of free radicals.
Thus, the normalization of material metabolism in the body takes place:
- Analgesic properties are possible due to a decrease in the sharpness of impulses in the cells of the nervous system. Due to the fact that the product penetrates well through the mucous membrane and skin, the permeability of substances improves, which makes it possible to achieve an antibacterial effect.
- It has bactericidal and antifungal properties , dilates blood vessels, normalizes the release of enzymes and collagen in the body. It improves blood supply to tissues, therefore it is used as a transporter of nutrients and minerals in the body and enhances their effect.
- Promotes the production of white blood cells and macrophages , which help normalize the microflora in the body, cleansing it of harmful toxins and particles. This function is considered preventive against the formation of cancer cells.
- The active substance detects and destroys free radicals that arise after the influence of radiation rays on a person. After the application begins, the active substance enters the blood within 7 minutes and reaches maximum accumulation after 5 hours.
Dimexide is also a drug that can partially dissolve blood clots. When using Dimexide, a slight garlic odor is felt.
Reviews about the application
Most reviews about this compress are positive due to its high effectiveness and accessibility. Quick pain relief from bruises, neuralgia and joint pain make this remedy an indispensable assistant. The compress is in particular demand among athletes, where muscle sprains and ligament damage are common.
When using dimexide, do not forget about its ability to enhance the effect of other drugs, which is not always good. Therefore, people who have used such a compress recommend following the doctor’s recommendations and not violating the indicated dosages of drugs in the compress, so as not to aggravate the disease.
When used correctly, the result is noticeable after the 1st procedure. But for the treatment of severe forms of illness, the compress is used as an additional means for quickly localizing pain.
Indications for use
The use of Dimexide for the preparation of dressings is indicated for various types of diseases:
- Contusions, injuries, sprains.
- Elimination of ulcers, foci of inflammation , healing of burn marks, ulcerative sores, impetigo, streptoderma, mastopathy.
- Pain associated with neuralgia and joint diseases , disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
- As a prophylactic drug in plastic surgery before and after the procedure for better implantation. For this purpose, it is recommended to use a 25% solution of Dimexide.
- As a preventive drug against Alzheimer's disease . This is possible due to the removal of amyloid proteins from the body. Relieves the body of accumulations of heavy metals.
- As part of antiviral drugs, it quickly destroys viral infections , especially herpes zoster and herpetic rashes.
Indications for use of Dimexide
Analogues and substitutes of the drug
In case of individual intolerance to Dimexide or hypersensitivity to it, it is recommended to use substitute drugs with identical therapeutic effects.
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Medicine | Active substance | Manufacturer | average cost |
Alorom | Aloe juice, chamomile extract | VAT "Lubnifarm", Lubny, Ukraine | 120-150 rubles |
Betalgon | Nicotinic acid B-butoxyethyl ester (nonivamide and Nicoboxil) | "Nizhpharm", Nizhny Novgorod, Russia | 250-350 rubles |
Bishofite | Magnesium chloride sodium complex | LLC "Dina+" | 100-500 rubles |
Dolobene | Dimethyl sulfoxide, heparin | Merkle GmbH, for ratiopharm GmbH, Germany | 335-420 rubles |
Deep Relief | Ibuprofen, Levomenthol | 1 Redwood Avenue, Peel Park Campus, East Kilbride, G74 5PE, Scotland, UK/ 1 Redwood Avenue, Peel Park Campus, East Kilbride, G74 5PE, Scotland, UK. | 400-600 rubles |
Capsicam | Dimethyl sulfoxide | JSC "Tallinn Pharmaceutical Plant", Tallinn, Estonia | 120-200 rubles |
Chondroxide | Chondroitin sulfate | "Nizhpharm", Nizhny Novgorod, Russia | 1000-4000 rubles |
Dimexide is an effective drug with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and disinfectant effects. It is used to treat arthrosis, osteochondrosis, as well as other diseases of the musculoskeletal system and joints.
The drug is used as a compress. Its concentration can be different - from 10% to 50%, it depends on the specific disease. When preparing the solution, you must strictly follow the instructions, since exceeding the recommended dosage leads to burns and allergic skin reactions.
Contraindications
Patients who have been prescribed compresses with Dimexide should be aware of a number of contraindications for their application:
- Disorders of kidney and liver function.
- Recent myocardial infarction or stroke.
- A patient's condition that threatens his life, which is characterized by loss of consciousness.
- Cardiac ischemia.
- Any trimesters of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Children's age up to 12 years.
Before using it, be sure to do a drug test, since it has a high level of allergenicity. To do this, the medicine is placed on the elbow of the hand and its reaction is checked.
Novocaine: characteristics of the drug
The active ingredient of novocaine is procaine, which has a local anesthetic effect. 1 ml of novocaine injection solution contains 5 mg of procaine hydrochloride. The excipient is water for injection.
The drug has a wide range of therapeutic effects:
- The analgesic effect is based on the blockade of sodium channels, potassium current and painful impulses in nerve endings. When used, spasm of smooth muscles and the formation of acetylcholine (the substance responsible for the transmission of neuromuscular impulses) are reduced.
- Anti-shock effect.
- The antiarrhythmic effect consists of reducing the excitability and conductivity of nerve impulses, the heart muscle and motor areas of the cerebral cortex, and relaxing reflex reactions.
- Hypotensive effect (lowering blood pressure).
- Antibacterial and antiseptic effects.
Some people are allergic to novocaine, so before using a compress with dimexide you need to do an allergy test
The dosage of novocaine depends on the purpose of its use. To carry out conduction and infiltration anesthesia, a 1-2% solution is used. For pain blockade in neuralgia, inflammatory, purulent processes, 0.5% procaine is used. To relieve pain in soft tissues, use a 2% solution.
The effect of novocaine begins within 10-20 minutes. after use. The analgesic effect lasts 30-60 minutes.
Instructions for using the compress solution
To properly prepare and apply dressings with Dimexide, you should follow simple recommendations. Undiluted Dimexide can cause burns. It needs to be diluted with warm boiled water.
The volume of liquid for diluting the mixture depends on the concentration of the finished drug:
- 10% solution - 2 ml of medicine and 18 ml of water.
- 20% - 2 ml of product and 8 ml of water.
- 25% - 2 ml of product and 6 ml of water.
- 30% - 6 ml Dimexide and 14 ml water.
- 50% - mix water and drug 1:1.
The proportions of Dimexide also depend on what symptoms the solution will be used to eliminate.
To avoid side effects after use, adhere to the following concentrations of the drug:
- Therapy of erysipelas and ulcers – 30-50% Dimexide.
- Streptoderma, eczema - 40-90% cure.
- For the purpose of pain relief – 30-50%.
- For application to the face and delicate areas of the skin, no more than a 30% solution.
- Pre- or postoperative period - 20% solution.
After the gauze or fabric bandage is soaked in the solution on both sides, it is applied to the desired area, covered with a film and a dry cloth. A thin towel can be placed on top to create a greenhouse effect and retain heat inside the compress longer.
The duration of therapy depends on the symptoms and is determined by the doctor. On average, it is equal to 10-12 procedures. Please note that the procedure must be carried out with sterile gloves; it is forbidden to rub the product into the skin or use multi-colored fabrics to soak the solution.
Prepare a fresh solution each time. It is important to carry out the procedure correctly. Otherwise, it can only bring harm!
Use for arthrosis and coxarthrosis
Tips for making and applying a compress for inflammation in the hip joint:
- To make the liquid, take warm clean water and Dimexide in proportions 1:1 (a tablespoon). Hot water cannot be used. Prepare the liquid in a porcelain or glass container.
- Apply a white cloth soaked in the solution to the desired area, covering it with a bag and a cloth or towel. It is important to wet the gauze properly so that liquid does not flow from it. The optimal time to hold the compress is 20-60 minutes.
- In addition to arthrosis and coxarthrosis, the bandage is applied for injuries, bruises, sprains, radiculitis, and arthropathy.
Compress for knee bursitis
It is also used for diseases of the joints and back, which are accompanied by inflammation and pain:
- With knee bursitis, the inflammatory process can be accompanied by excruciating pain and discomfort in the joint capsule.
- To eliminate these manifestations, you need to mix 1.5 tbsp. Dimexide and warm boiled water . To relieve pain, it is recommended to top up the Novocaine ampoule.
- Apply the bandage to the knee joint area for an average of an hour . But depending on the patient’s feelings, the doctor can adjust the time.
Compress for epicondylitis of the elbow joint
Dimexide for epicondylitis has an anti-inflammatory, warming and antiseptic effect:
- In situations where the shoulder or elbow joint is affected by inflammation and tendon tears, it is recommended to prescribe a 50% solution of the drug for bandages.
- On top of a soaked napkin placed on the affected joint, a greenhouse effect is created using the fabric.
- The duration of the procedure and the course of therapy are prescribed by the doctor depending on the patient’s health and the dynamics of the disease. Sometimes 1 procedure lasting 60 minutes is enough.
An additional remedy may be prescribed for disorders of the motor and musculoskeletal system.
Bandages on joints for bruises and hematomas
Particularly relevant for injuries and sprains:
- The Dimekisd solution used depends on the type of wound. If open, a 20% solution is prescribed. If the tissues are not severely affected, then 50% is possible.
- If the area is very painful and inflamed, intramuscular injections may additionally be prescribed. The average time to use a bandage with medicine is 1 hour.
When applied to bruises and abrasions, Dimexide eliminates hematomas, relieves swelling and removes the inflammatory focus.
Compress with Dimexide for gout
In case of gout, it relieves inflammation and relieves pain. Gout affects the joints of the legs and arms. Compresses with Dimexide are one of the most effective and frequently used medicines for rheumatic diseases. To prepare it, take Dimexide and water in 1:1 proportions.
Treatments lasting 30-40 minutes are sufficient. The course of therapy can last from 12 days to 2.5 months.
Compress with Dimexide for gout
Prescription for intervertebral hernia
The result after using the product can be obtained quickly, since the active ingredient Dimexide penetrates quickly and deeply into the skin:
- The bandage relieves painful and unpleasant sensations in the spine caused by intervertebral hernia and alleviates the inflammatory process.
- To prepare the solution, dilute Dimexide in water in a 1:1 ratio.
- Attach the cloth soaked in liquid to the desired area of the back and hold for no more than 4 hours.
Treatment of acne and fungus
Dimexide is widely used to treat acne in patients of all ages. It effectively cleanses the skin of acne, helps solve the problem of blackheads and improves complexion.
The pharmacological agent must be diluted with distilled water in equal proportions to obtain a 50% concentration. After this, moisten a cotton pad in the prepared solution and apply it to the rash areas. Dimexide is applied to previously cleansed skin.
It is recommended to keep the compress for at least 15-20 minutes, then rinse with plenty of warm water.
The course of treatment lasts 6-8 days, after which acne is significantly reduced, and the skin becomes clearer and more attractive.
The drug can also be used to treat toenail fungus. To do this, cotton pads need to be moistened in a 50% Dimexide solution, applied to the nails and secured with a bandage. The compress must be kept for 20-25 minutes, then rinsed with warm water.
Use of Dimexide in combination with other drugs
Dimexide for compresses and lotions can be used with other medications. In this case, you can obtain additional properties of the drug.
Application of Dimexide with Novocaine
Novocaine with Dimexide is actively used for diseases such as osteochondrosis, sprains, and gout.
Characterized by analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties:
- To get the mixture for the dressing, you need to prepare: 30 ml of pure water and Dimexide, 20 ml of Novocaine. The liquid to be added to the solution must be warm.
- The gauze is soaked in the solution and applied to the desired area according to the general rules.
- The average duration of treatment for chronic diseases can be 14-20 days. It is advisable to apply a bandage overnight.
Compress with Dimexide and Diclofenac
If there are no contraindications to the prescription, apply compresses until the condition improves.
Compresses are applied according to the general rules:
- Components: 10 ml dimexide, 1 ampoule of Diclofenac, pure water up to 50 ml.
- Additionally, you can add 10 ml of Novocaine.
- The product relieves joint pain and gives an anti-inflammatory result.
Compress Lidocaine with Dimexide
The combination of Lidocaine with Dimexide gives an anti-inflammatory and analgesic result:
- The solution should be diluted as follows: add 1-2 ampoules of Lidocaine to 30 ml of Dimexide and 50 ml of water. Mix the liquid thoroughly.
- Depending on the reaction of the patient’s body, the duration of the procedure is 30-60 minutes.
- It is necessary to apply compresses until the condition improves.
Compresses with Dimexide and Hydrocortisone
The bandage relieves inflammatory symptoms and at the same time eliminates pain. For it you need: 30 ml of Dimexide, 50 ml of water and an ampoule of Hydrocortisone. To remove severe pain, add 30 ml of Novocaine to the solution.
Lotions with Dimexide and Lidaza
The combined use of Lidase and Dimexide is mainly prescribed in gynecology for the treatment of candidiasis, erosion, colpitis:
- Soak the tampon in the solution and insert it into the vagina (but not deep).
- The amount of the drug to be used is prescribed only by the gynecologist after examination and receipt of test results. Because uncontrolled use can cause burns or allergies.
Compress with Dimexide and Dexamethasone
The medicine has analgesic and anti-inflammatory qualities, which helps relieve pain and discomfort in the joints:
- To prepare the medicine you will need 1 tbsp. 50% Dimexide solution , Dexamethasone ampoule and 50 ml of clean water.
- All components are mixed. The compress is applied according to the general rules.
- The average duration of therapy is 2 weeks.
Dimexide in cosmetology
Dimexide has found wide application not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology. The pharmacological preparation is mixed with liquid vitamins, oils and used as a mask for the face and hair. The main indications for the use of Dimexide in cosmetology:
- acne;
- cleansing skin after acne;
- expression and age wrinkles;
- fungus of fingernails and toenails;
- hair loss;
- psoriasis;
- eczema;
- furunculosis;
- erysipelas.
To eliminate age-related and facial wrinkles, Dimexide is recommended to be combined with a drug such as Solcoseryl. It is used to prepare effective anti-aging masks, gels and ointments for home skin care. How to use the product:
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- dilute 5 ml of Dimexide with 50 ml of distilled water;
- soak a cotton pad in the resulting solution and wipe your face;
- Apply Solcoseryl in gel form to the skin and leave for 50-60 minutes;
- rinse off the remaining mask with plenty of warm water;
- For 4-5 hours after applying the mask, the skin should remain clean, so it is better to avoid makeup.
A mask with Dimexide and Solcoseryl should not be applied to the skin around the eyes, as this may be accompanied by itching, burning and discomfort. This product has a lifting effect and is in no way inferior to popular cosmetic procedures using Botox.
As reviews from women who used this mask show, after just a month of using 2 masks per week, the depth and severity of wrinkles became significantly less.
How to make a compress with Dimexide for a child?
Dressings with Dimexide in children eliminate the inflammatory process, increase the body's defenses, and have a warming effect and improve blood flow. Used to relieve local inflammation in the lymph nodes in the throat.
To prepare a bandage for a child with Dimexide, you need:
- Children should also only use Dimexide diluted with water or saline solution. The ratio is 1:4-1:6, depending on how the child’s skin reacts to the medicine. Use externally only. Swallowing the solution by children is not allowed.
- Prepare 2 pieces of gauze in 5-6 layers. One will warm the neck or chest, the second will warm the back.
- The gauze is placed and fixed according to the standard algorithm, as in adults.
- It is forbidden to apply the compress to the area of the heart and thyroid gland.
- For children, applying a compress for 40-60 minutes will be enough. This is quite enough to treat a cough. After removal, wipe the skin with a slightly damp cloth or towel.
Compress with Dimexide for children
The ideal time for applying compresses to children is the evening or the period of preparation for bed. You should not support the practice of some parents and leaving the bandages on overnight; this may not be safe.
Compresses are most often used in pediatrics for coughs. It is advisable to additionally use auxiliary medications (for example, Mukolvan, Euphyllin, Furacilin, aloe extract, No-Shpa).
Important rules when using antibiotics
Dimethyl sulfoxide is designed for use with various medications. It increases the perception and effect of ethanol, insulin and other medications. Combined use with antibacterial agents and anti-inflammatory drugs is allowed.
It is often prescribed simultaneously with antibiotics, which increases the sensitivity of microorganisms to them. But such treatment cannot be arranged independently without the participation of a specialist, since it can cause harm to the body.
Side effects
Side effects after use are very rare, but allergic reactions are possible.
To avoid them or recognize them in time, keep the first compress on the skin for no more than 10 minutes and monitor the reaction:
- In rare situations, dry skin , nausea, and bronchospasms may occur after use.
- Before using Dimexide to make compresses, pay attention to the fact that it increases the absorption of insulin and ethanol . To eliminate arthritis and osteoarthritis, it is better to prescribe it together with anti-inflammatory drugs (non-steroidal).
- An allergic reaction can also occur with an overdose of the drug . To eliminate discomfort, you need to rinse your skin with clean water and take antihistamines.
- Its use may cause headaches or dizziness in some patients. Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from driving for 1-2 hours after applications.
Basic rules for diluting Dimexide
Dimexide is used only for external use, after preliminary dilution of the concentrate. It is very important to properly dilute the drug at home, since incorrectly selected proportions can cause a chemical burn to the skin.
How to properly dilute Dimexide for compresses:
- Dimexide 99 percent is best diluted with distilled or boiled water in equal proportions.
- The use of the drug requires special caution. The solution must be diluted only while wearing protective medical gloves, since contact of the drug on the skin causes a severe chemical burn.
- To apply a compress to the knee or elbow joint, it is best to use sterile gauze folded in several layers.
- A piece of gauze should be moistened in the prepared solution, squeezed lightly and applied to the sore spot.
- The compress must be secured with plastic wrap and additionally insulated with a layer of cotton wool, a warm towel or scarf.
A compress with Dimexide on joints must be used immediately after preparation. The medicinal solution cannot be stored for a long time, as this impairs its medicinal properties.
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Before using the compress, you must undergo a sensitivity test. To do this, apply a small amount of the prepared solution to clean skin and leave for half an hour. The appearance of itching, burning, and redness indicates that the use of compresses with Dimexide should be abandoned.
Overdose
An overdose of a drug that is used for surface application can occur if the instructions for using the solution are violated or its concentration is significantly exceeded.
Skin lesions occur:
- during the use of pure Dimexide concentrate;
- when the duration of application of the compress is exceeded;
- in case of hypersensitivity to the drug.
An overdose leads to chemical burns and the appearance of urticaria, which is expressed:
- small rash on the body and in the area where the compress is applied;
- severe itching.
Allergic reactions are treated with antihistamines:
- Fenistil;
- Suprastin;
- Zodak.
If the skin is burned with the concentrate, it is necessary to urgently rinse the affected area and apply a gauze pad with Panthenol, which should be changed every 4 hours.
In rare cases, angioedema develops, the main symptoms of which are:
- swelling in the face;
- labored breathing;
- intense tissue hyperemia.
Generally accepted rules for assistance in the event of an overdose:
- Wash off any remaining Dimexide from the skin.
- Provide air ventilation in the room where the patient is located.
- Use antihistamines as directed.
- If angioedema develops, it is necessary to call an ambulance.
- If part of the drug gets into the esophagus and stomach, you need to give the patient a few glasses of water and induce vomiting. And then wait for the doctor to arrive.
Storage conditions and periods
Dimexide (how to dilute it for a compress can be found in the instructions for use) does not require special storage conditions. To preserve its main properties, it must be kept in a dark, dry place at a temperature of no more than 25C in a tightly closed package. At temperatures below 16C the substance crystallizes and hardens.
The shelf life of the product from the date of issue is 2 years. After the expiration date, the drug should not be used.
Drug interactions
The product combines well with many groups of drugs and has no strict contraindications for use with other medications.
The product enhances the effect and penetration of the following substances into the body cells:
- macrolide antibiotics (Erythromycin, Azithromycin, Clarithromycin, Rulide);
- insulin;
- acetylsalicylic acid;
- nitroglycerine.
The drug can be combined as part of complex therapy with:
- heparin (Heparin ointment);
- syntomycin (Synthomycin ointment);
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Voltaren, Ibuprofen, Finalgel).
The drug has achieved widespread use in electrophoresis treatment due to its compatibility with other drugs. The drug is actively used to eliminate pain in osteochondrosis in combination with Lidocaine and Novocaine.
Effect of the substance when compressed
Dimexide is actively used for compresses due to its ability to quickly penetrate biological membranes and skin barriers of the human body. The effect of the drug is associated with an improvement in metabolic processes in the affected area and a slowdown in the rate of transmission of nerve impulses to peripheral neurons.
Already 5-6 minutes after application to the skin, DSMO molecules are detected in the patient’s blood.
Providing a local effect, the drug instantly penetrates the lesion, producing 4 actions:
- pain reliever;
- antiseptic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- fibrinolytic.
Dimexide is excreted by the kidneys
The maximum concentration of the substance in the blood is reached after 4-6 hours, decreases within 36-72 hours, and is excreted from the body in urine and feces. A positive reaction to the use of the drug for pain relief can be observed 5-20 minutes after application, and its effect lasts for 4-6 hours.
When rubbed into the skin, the drug fights blood clots, acts as a tranquilizer, and stimulates wound healing.
Dimexide also has the ability to increase the effectiveness of beneficial substances during the use of other medications. This allows you to significantly reduce the dosage of some drugs used in parallel with Dimexide, without reducing their therapeutic effect.