What is aluminum chloride hexahydrate (topical)?
Aluminum chloride hexahydrate is used to treat excessive sweating, also called
hyperhidrosis.
Aluminum chloride hexahydrate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in
this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking aluminum chloride hexahydrate (topical)?
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether aluminum chloride hexahydrate passes into breast milk or if
it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take aluminum chloride hexahydrate (topical)?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in
larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Apply this medication only to completely dry skin. You may need to blow-dry the skin
with a hair dryer before applying the medicine.
For best results, apply this medication only at bedtime, when you are less likely to sweat.
You will need to leave the medicine on your skin for 6 to 8 hours after application.
To use on the underarms:
Apply the medication evenly and allow it to
dry. Use a hair dryer on a cool setting to dry the skin if needed. Leave a thin film of the
medication on the skin. Wear a tee-shirt or short-sleeved nightgown to bed to keep the medicine
from rubbing off onto your bed linens.
To use on the hands or feet:
Apply the medication evenly and allow it
to dry. Use a hair dryer on a cool setting to dry the skin if needed. Leave a thin film of the
medication on the skin. Wrap your hands or feet in plastic wrap and cover with cotton gloves or
socks. Leave the gloves or socks on while you sleep.
To use on the scalp:
Apply the medication evenly and allow it to dry.
Use a hair dryer on a cool setting to dry the skin if needed. Leave a thin film of the medication
on the skin. Wear a plastic shower cap to bed to keep the medicine from rubbing off onto your
bed linens.
The morning after you apply this medicine, remove your clothing or the plastic covering
from the treated skin areas. Throw the plastic wrap away and do not reuse it. Rinse out the
plastic shower cap with water and allow it to dry completely before using again.
Wash or shampoo the treated skin areas thoroughly, and towel dry.
Repeat the application of aluminum chloride hexahydrate for 2 or 3 more nights in a row,
until you get the desired results of reduced sweating. Using the medication one or two times per
week thereafter may be enough to keep your condition under control.
Store this medication at room temperature away from heat or open flame. Aluminum
chloride hexahydrate contains alcohol and is flammable.
This medicine will evaporate quickly when exposed to air. Keep the bottle tightly closed
when you are not using the medicine.
What happens if I miss a dose of aluminum chloride hexahydrate (topical)?
Since aluminum chloride hexahydrate is used as needed, you may not be on a dosing
schedule. If you are using the medication regularly and you miss a dose, wait until the following
night and use the medicine at bedtime. Aluminum chloride hexahydrate may not be as effective
if you use it during the day while you are awake.
Where can I get more information about aluminum chloride hexahydrate (topical)?
Your pharmacist has information about aluminum chloride hexahydrate (topical) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of aluminum chloride hexahydrate (topical)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any stinging, burning, redness, or swelling of
treated skin areas.
Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as tingling or itching of the
treated skin.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about aluminum chloride hexahydrate (topical)?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger amounts
or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
This medicine is for use only on your skin. Avoid getting it in your eyes, mouth, and
nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not use aluminum
chloride hexahydrate topical on irritated or broken skin. Do not use the medicine on skin that has
recently been shaved. Also avoid using this medication on open wounds.
Do not apply any other deodorants or antiperspirants while you are using aluminum
chloride hexahydrate.
This medication can stain certain types of fabric or metals that it comes in contact with.
Avoid getting the medicine on surfaces you do not want to stain.
What should I avoid while taking aluminum chloride hexahydrate (topical)?
This medicine is for use only on your skin. Avoid getting it in your eyes, mouth, and
nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not use aluminum
chloride hexahydrate topical on irritated or broken skin. Do not use the medicine on skin that has
recently been shaved. Also avoid using this medication on open wounds.
Do not apply any other deodorants or antiperspirants while you are using aluminum
chloride hexahydrate.
This medication can stain certain types of fabric or metals that it comes in contact with.
Avoid getting the medicine on surfaces you do not want to stain.
What other drugs will affect aluminum chloride hexahydrate (topical)?
There may be other drugs that can affect aluminum chloride hexahydrate. Tell your doctor
about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins,
minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new
medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of aluminum chloride hexahydrate (topical)?