Aluminum chloride hexahydrate topical

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied aluminum chloride hexahydrate. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Antiperspirant.2 11 13 14 15

Administration

Topical Administration

Preparations are for external use only.1 2 4 15

Apply topically to the skin as a solution1 2 4 or as an antiperspirant stick.15

Avoid contact with eyes.1 2 4 7 15 If contact occurs, wash affected eye(s) thoroughly with water.1 2

Apply to dry, intact skin only; do not apply to any irritated, broken, or recently shaven areas.1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 15 May use a hairdryer on warm setting to dry the skin.1 2

Do not apply other deodorants or antiperspirants to treatment area.1 2

For optimum effect, apply at bedtime when sweat glands are least active.1 2 4 8 9 10 11 13 15

Apply solution using fingers, moistened cotton ball, or applicator (Dab-O-Matic) supplied by manufacturer.1 2 4 If using the Dab-O-Matic applicator, remove and discard protective cap prior to use.1 2 4 Push applicator into bottle and twist white cap to secure in place.2 4

Consult individual manufacturer’s prescribing or patient information for complete instructions regarding proper drug application and removal.1 2 4 7 15

Dosage

Adults

Apply solution to completely dry affected area (e.g., underarms, palms, soles, scalp) once daily at bedtime.1 2 4 5 7 8 9 11

To minimize irritation when using the solution, let alcohol evaporate1 2 (may use a hairdryer on cold setting when administered under arms);1 a thin film of drug should remain on skin.1 2

To prevent drug from rubbing off, cover treated area with a T-shirt for axillary application;1 2 4 5 use a plastic shower cap for scalp application1 5 or plastic wrap and overlying gloves or socks for palmar or plantar application, respectively.1 4 5 14 Do not use adhesive tape.1 4 Some clinicians state that occlusion is not necessary and may increase risk of skin irritation.9 11 (See Dermatologic Effects under Cautions.)

After 6–8 hours (usually the following morning), remove garments and/or plastic wrap; to prevent irritation, wash treatment area(s) thoroughly with soap and water or shampoo.1 2 4 5 6 7 9 10 14 Some clinicians also suggest topical application of sodium bicarbonate.6 Dry with towel.1

Repeat applications for ≥2 consecutive nights until desired effect (lack of sweating) achieved.1 4 5 6 7 9 11 Thereafter, may apply additional treatments once or twice weekly as needed.1 4 5 9

Apply sparingly (i.e., a few strokes) to affected areas under each arm.15 Dry skin completely prior to application.15

Allow solution to dry following application.15

May repeat treatment until desired effect achieved.15 Thereafter, apply every other day or as needed.15

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to aluminum chloride hexahydrate or any ingredient in the formulation.6

Warnings/Precautions

Warnings

Self-medication: Apply Certain Dri to underarms only.15 (For further information on warnings and precautions associated with administration of aluminum chloride hexahydrate (Drysol, Xerac AC, and Hypercare) and aluminum chloride [Certain Dri], see Topical Administration under Dosage and Administration.)

Aluminum chloride solutions are flammable; do not use near an open flame.1 2 4

Sensitivity Reactions

Possible local irritation (e.g., burning, stinging, itching, tingling);1 2 4 7 8 10 13 14 usually resolves with temporary discontinuance of drug.1 2 4 Because risk of skin sensitivity increases with higher concentrations, some patients may benefit from an initial trial with reduced concentrations (10–12%) of aluminum chloride hexahydrate.7 8

To minimize skin irritation, follow specific instructions provided by each manufacturer on proper drug application and removal.1 2 4 7 10 Ensure that skin is completely dry prior to and following drug application.1 2 4 5 7 9 11 15 (See Topical Administration under Dosage and Administration.)

If rash or skin reaction develops during therapy, discontinue use and consult a clinician.1 2 4 15 Topical sodium bicarbonate or a low-dose corticosteroid cream (e.g., 1% hydrocortisone) may be used to limit or treat irritation.6 7 9 11 14 Other measures include decreasing concentration or frequency of applications.7 If persistent skin irritation occurs, refer patient to a dermatologist.7

General Precautions

May be harmful to certain fabrics (e.g., cotton) or metals.1 2 4 11 13 15 Allow skin to dry completely following application and thoroughly wash off any residual drug after 6–8 hours of treatment to avoid damage to clothing.1 15

Specific Populations

The manufacturer of Drysol and Xerac AC states that there is no pregnancy category for these drugs; however, they recommend that the drug not be used in pregnant women.3

Keep preparations out of reach of children.1 2 4 15 16

Infants (especially preterm infants) and children may be at greater risk of aluminum exposure because of immature renal function.16

Possible increased exposure to any systemically absorbed aluminum in patients with renal impairment; patients with renal impairment should consult a clinician before use.16 (See Bioavailability and Special Populations under Pharmacokinetics.)

Common Adverse Effects

Local skin irritation (burning, stinging, itching, tingling).1 7 8 10 11 13 14

Storage

Topical

15–30°C,4 in tightly closed container when not in use (to prevent evaporation).1 2 4

Keep away from open flames.1 2 4

• Importance of avoiding contact with eyes.1 2 4 15 If ocular contact occurs, rinse eye(s) thoroughly with water.1 2

• Importance of instructing patients on proper technique for application and removal of drug.1 2 4 7 15

• Importance of discontinuing therapy and informing clinician if a rash or skin reaction occurs.1 2 4 15

• Importance of patients with renal impairment consulting a clinician before starting or continuing to use antiperspirants containing aluminum because of possible increased exposure to any absorbed aluminum.16

• Importance of informing clinician if accidental ingestion occurs in a pediatric patient.16

• Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.1 2 4 15

• Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs.1 2 4 15

• Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information.1 2 4 15 (See Cautions.)

Tingling, mild itching, or irritation may occur when the medication is first applied. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using aluminum chloride, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

This medication may stain clothing or certain fabrics or harm metals. Use this medication cautiously to avoid contact with clothes, bed linens, other fabrics, or metals. Let this medication dry completely before putting clothing over the treated area.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.