Aluminum chloride hexahydrate (topical)

Generic name: aluminum chloride hexahydrate (topical) [ al-LOO-min-um-KLOR-ide-HEX-a-HYE-drayt-TOP-ik-al ]
Brand names: Drysol, Hypercare, Xerac AC
Dosage forms: topical liquid (15%), topical solution (20%; 6.25%)
Drug class: Miscellaneous topical agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 13, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

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.

Warnings

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.

Before taking this medicine

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 aluminum chloride hexahydrate. 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 aluminum chloride hexahydrate 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.

Aluminum chloride hexahydrate side effects

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.

Aluminum chloride hexahydrate may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe burning, redness, or swelling of treated skin.

Common side effects of aluminum chloride hexahydrate 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?

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.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.01.

Generic name: aluminum hydroxide [ a-LOO-mi-num-hye-DROX-ide ]
Brand names: Amphojel, Alu-Cap, Dialume, Alu-Tab, Alternagel, Aloh-Gel
Dosage form: oral suspension (320 mg/5 mL)
Drug classes: Antacids, Phosphate binders

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 27, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is aluminum hydroxide?

Aluminum is a naturally occurring mineral. Aluminum hydroxide is an antacid.

Aluminum hydroxide is used to treat heartburn, upset stomach, sour stomach, or acid indigestion. Aluminum hydroxide is also used to reduce phosphate levels in people with certain kidney conditions.

Aluminum hydroxide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking aluminum hydroxide if you have kidney problems, severe constipation, if you are dehydrated, or if you drink alcohol frequently.

Before taking this medicine

Heartburn can mimic early symptoms of a heart attack. Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder and you feel anxious or light-headed.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:

• kidney disease, a history of kidney stones;

• severe constipation;

• if you are dehydrated; or

• if you drink alcohol frequently.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How should I take aluminum hydroxide?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Aluminum hydroxide is usually taken between meals or at bedtime.

Take aluminum hydroxide with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Do not take aluminum hydroxide for longer than 2 weeks without your doctor''s advice.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since aluminum hydroxide is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it''s almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include severe constipation, weight loss, confusion, mood changes, or urinating less than usual or not at all.

What should I avoid while taking aluminum hydroxide?

Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth. Avoid taking other medications within 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take aluminum hydroxide.

Aluminum hydroxide side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

The medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using the medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain or constipation, loss of appetite;

• pain when you urinate;

• muscle weakness, tiredness;

• extreme drowsiness; or

• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

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 hydroxide?

Other drugs may affect aluminum hydroxide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

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.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.04.