Aluminum Chloride Topical

Aluminum chloride topical is an over-the-counter (OTC) product used to treat severe, recalcitrant excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).

Aluminum chloride topical is available under the following different brand names: Drysol, Xerac AC, and Hypercare Solution.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Topical Solution

• 6.25% (Drysol Mild, Xerac AC)
• 12% (Drysol)
• 20% (Drysol Extra Strength)

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Hyperhidrosis

• Indicated for severe, recalcitrant hyperhidrosis
• Adults and adolescents: Apply to affected area at night; once excessive sweating decreases (typically after 2 or more treatments), decrease application to 1-2 times/week
• Infants and children: Safety and efficacy not established
• May cover treated area with plastic wrap held in place by tight fitting t-shirt, mitten, or sock; do not hold in place with tape

Side effects of false unicorn root include:

• Irritation
• Itching
• Tingling

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Aluminum chloride topical has no listed severe interactions with other drugs.
• Aluminum chloride topical has no listed serious interactions with other drugs.
• Aluminum chloride topical has no listed moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Aluminum chloride topical has no listed mild interactions with other drugs.

Warnings

This medication contains false unicorn root. Do not take blazing star root, Chamaelirium luteum, devil's bit, helonias, starwort, or Veratrum luteum if you are allergic to false unicorn root or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Aluminum Chloride Topical?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Aluminum Chloride Topical?"

Cautions

• Do not apply to broken, irritated, or recently shaved skin
• Discontinue use if irritation/sensitization occurs
• External use only; avoid eyes
• May harm certain metals or fabrics
• Flammable: Do not use near open flame

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use aluminum chloride topical with caution during pregnancy if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies are not available or neither animal nor human studies were done.

It is unknown whether aluminum chloride topical is distributed in breast milk. Caution is advised while breastfeeding.