What is the most important information I should know about aluminum chloride hexahydrate?
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
What is aluminum chloride hexahydrate?
Aluminum chloride hexahydrate is an antiperspirant that works by affecting the cells that produce sweat.
Aluminum chloride hexahydrate topical (for the skin) is used to treat excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis.
Aluminum chloride hexahydrate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before using aluminum chloride hexahydrate?
You should not use aluminum chloride hexahydrate if you are allergic to it.
To make sure aluminum chloride hexahydrate is safe for you, tell your doctor if you are taking disulfiram (Antabuse).
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether aluminum chloride hexahydrate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
It is not known whether aluminum chloride hexahydrate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use aluminum chloride hexahydrate?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. For best results, apply the medicine 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.
This medicine comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Wash and completely dry the skin before applying aluminum chloride hexahydrate. You may need to use a hair dryer to thoroughly dry the skin.
Use the applicator provided with your medicine. If your medicine does not include an applicator, use a cotton ball to apply the medicine. Apply the medicine evenly and allow it to dry into a thin film. Use a hair dryer on a cool setting to dry the skin if needed.
After use on the underarms: Wear a tee-shirt to keep the medicine from rubbing off onto your bed linens.
After use on the hands or feet: Wrap your hands or feet in plastic wrap and cover them with cotton gloves or socks. Do not tape the plastic onto your skin. Leave the gloves or socks on while you sleep.
After use on the scalp: Wear a plastic shower cap to bed to keep the medicine from rubbing off onto your bed linens.
When you awake in the morning, remove the clothing or plastic covering from the treated skin areas. Wash or shampoo the skin thoroughly, and towel dry. Throw away the plastic wrap do not reuse it for additional applications. You may rinse out the plastic shower cap with water and allow it to dry completely before using again.
Keep using the medicine for another 2 or 3 nights until you notice reduced sweating. After that, you may need to use aluminum chloride hexahydrate once or twice per week to control your condition.
Store 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?
Skip the missed dose and use the medicine the following night. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of aluminum chloride hexahydrate is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
What should I avoid while using aluminum chloride hexahydrate?
Do not apply any other deodorants or antiperspirants while you are using aluminum chloride hexahydrate.
Aluminum chloride hexahydrate contains alcohol, which can cause slight burning or stinging when you apply the medicine. Do not use on irritated or broken skin, or skin that has recently been shaved.
Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water.
Aluminum chloride hexahydrate 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.
Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
What are the possible side effects of aluminum chloride hexahydrate?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; dizziness; tight feeling in your chest, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe burning, redness, or swelling of treated skin.
Common side effects may include:
- itching or mild burning of treated skin; or
- tingling or prickly feeling.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect aluminum chloride hexahydrate?
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.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about aluminum chloride hexahydrate.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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