Aluminum Chloride (Topical)

Class: Astringents
VA Class: DE450
Chemical Name: Aluminum chloride, hexahydrate
Molecular Formula: AlCl₃•6H₂O
CAS Number: 7784-13-6, 7446-70-0
Brands: Certain Dri, Drysol, Hypercare, Xerac AC

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 21, 2022. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

Antiperspirant.

Uses for Aluminum Chloride (Topical)

Hyperhidrosis

Topical treatment of hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) may be primary (physiologic, idiopathic, essential; possibly hereditary) or secondary (associated with an underlying condition). Secondary hyperhidrosis is associated with neurologic, endocrinologic, metabolic, or other such disorders; febrile illness; malignancy; or drugs.

Hyperhidrosis is classified as focal or generalized. Focal hyperhidrosis most commonly affects the palms and soles (palmar-plantar hyperhidrosis) and underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis), and least commonly affects the face (craniofacial hyperhidrosis). Generalized hyperhidrosis involves the entire body and usually is associated with an underlying condition.

Generally considered first-line therapy for mild or moderate primary focal hyperhidrosis, including axillary and palmar-plantar hyperhidrosis. An adequate trial of topical aluminum chloride usually is recommended before other therapeutic options (e.g., botulinum toxin injections, iontophoresis, local excision, liposuction, sympathectomy) considered. In severe cases of axillary, palmar, or plantar hyperhidrosis, some clinicians state that aluminum chloride hexahydrate, botulinum toxin injections, or iontophoresis are considered first-line therapy.

One of several options for treatment of craniofacial hyperhidrosis.

Self-medication (Certain Dri, OTC use) for axillary hyperhidrosis only.

Aluminum Chloride (Topical) Dosage and Administration

Administration

Topical Administration

Preparations are for external use only.

Apply topically to the skin as a solution or as an antiperspirant stick.

Avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, wash affected eye(s) thoroughly with water.

Apply to dry, intact skin only; do not apply to any irritated, broken, or recently shaven areas. May use a hairdryer on warm setting to dry the skin.

Do not apply other deodorants or antiperspirants to treatment area.

For optimum effect, apply at bedtime when sweat glands are least active.

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

Consult individual manufacturer’s prescribing or patient information for complete instructions regarding proper drug application and removal.

Dosage

Adults

Hyperhidrosis

Axillary, Palmar, Plantar, or Craniofacial Hyperhidrosis

Apply solution to completely dry affect.