Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 11, 2024.

What are other common names?

• Crystalline DMSO
• Dimethyl Sulfone MSM
• Dimethylsulfone
• Diméthylsulfone
• DMSO2
• Methyl Sulfone
• Methyl Sulfonyl Methane
• Methyl Sulphonyl Methane
• Methylsulfonylmethane
• Metilsulfonilmentano
• MSM
• Méthyle Sulfonyle Méthane
• Méthyle Sulphonyle Méthane
• Méthylsulfonylméthane
• Sulfone de Diméthyle MSM
• Sulfone de Méthyle
• Sulfonyl Sulfur

What is this product used for?

Methylsulfonylmethane is also called MSM. It may be helpful to decrease pain and swelling in people with some types of arthritis.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

• Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.

• Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this natural product.

• Take extra care if you are taking sulfa drugs. These include sulfadiazine, sulfasalazine, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, zonisamide, or acetazolamide.

• Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

  • Immune system problems

  • Eye problems, like glaucoma

What should I watch for?

• Upset stomach

• Bloating or indigestion

• Hard stools or difficulty having a bowel movement

• Tiredness

• Problems sleeping

• Problems concentrating

When do I need to call the doctor?

• Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; fever; rash; hives; itching, discolored, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

• Very bad throwing up

• Very bad loose stools

• Very bad headache

Last Reviewed Date

2023-06-12

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