aluminum chloride hexahydrate (topical)
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.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How should I use aluminum chloride hexahydrate?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use on broken skin, or skin that has recently been shaved.
For best results, apply the medicine at bedtime and leave the medicine on your skin for 6 to 8 hours.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Wash and completely dry the skin before applying this medicine. If needed, dry the skin with a hair dryer on the warm setting.
Use the applicator provided with your medicine, or use a cotton ball to apply the medicine.
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. 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.
In the morning, remove the covering from treated skin areas and wash or shampoo the skin thoroughly, then towel dry. Do not reuse plastic wrap for additional applications. You may rinse and reuse the plastic shower cap.
Store the bottle tightly closed at room temperature, away from heat or open flame. This medicine contains alcohol and is flammable. The medicine will evaporate quickly when exposed to air.
Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.
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.
Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If contact does occur, rinse with water.
This medicine can stain certain types of fabric or metals that it comes in contact with.
What are the possible side effects of aluminum chloride hexahydrate?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; dizziness; chest tightness, 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?
Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare 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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