aluminum acetate solution

Aluminum acetate solution is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used for the temporary relief of skin irritations caused by insect bites, contact dermatitis, athlete’s foot, and poison ivy, oak or sumac.

Aluminum acetate is topically applied on the skin as an antiseptic solution to reduce itching, burning, and inflammation from skin irritations, and promote healing.

Aluminum acetate is an astringent solution, a substance that constricts tissue by making fluids move away from the skin region where it is applied. This makes the skin area dry, harden and form a protective layer, allowing the tissue below to heal. Aluminum acetate can help dry up acne on oily skin and may also be useful in healing stretch marks and scars.

Warnings

• Do not use if you are hypersensitive to any of the components of aluminum acetate.
• If skin irritation and inflammation persist for longer than a week or worsen after use of aluminum acetate, discontinue applying and contact your physician.

Common side effects of aluminum acetate include:

• Local irritation
• Itching
• Temporary burning and stinging
• Skin dryness
• Skin inflammation

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Packet ingredients form the active ingredient aluminum acetate when combined with water

Powder for Solution (Domeboro)

Each packet contains aluminum sulfate tetradecahydrate 1347mg and calcium acetate monohydrate 952mg

• 1 packet/16 oz water = 0.16%
• 2 packets/16 oz water = 0.32%
• 3 packets/16 oz water = 0.48%

Powder for Solution (Pedi-Boro)

Each packet contains aluminum sulfate tetradecahydrate 1191mg and calcium acetate monohydrate 839mg

• 1 packet/16 oz water = 0.13%
• 2 packets/16 oz water = 0.26%
• 3 packets/16 oz water = 0.41%

Powder for Solution (Gordon’s Boro-Packs)

Each packet contains aluminum sulfate 49% and calcium acetate 51%

Adult and pediatric:

Inflammatory Skin Conditions

• Indicated for use as wet dressing or soak to temporarily relieve skin irritation caused by poison ivy/oak/sumac, insect bites, athlete’s foot, contact dermatitis
• Wet dressing/compress: Apply to affected skin for 15-30 minutes; reapply as needed
• Soak: Soak affected area for 15-30 min every 8 hours as needed

Administration

• Domeboro or Pedi-Boro: Dissolve 1-3 packets in 16 oz water
• Gordon’s Boro-Packs: Dissolve 1-2 packets in 16 oz water

Overdose

• Topically applied aluminum acetate is unlikely to cause significant systemic absorption or any serious side effects.
• There is no information on oral overdose of aluminum acetate, but it is likely harmful if orally ingested.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Aluminum Acetate Solution has no listed severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• There is limited systemic absorption from topical use, however, there are no data on use of topical aluminum acetate during pregnancy. Use only if maternal benefits outweigh potential risks to the fetus.
• It is not known if topical aluminum acetate is excreted in breast milk. Use with caution if you are breastfeeding and avoid applying on the nipple region.
• Always check with your healthcare provider before using any OTC product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Use aluminum acetate solution exactly as per label instructions.
• Do not use an occlusive dressing over topical aluminum acetate.
• Aluminum acetate is for external use only, avoid contact with eyes.
• Store aluminum acetate safely away from the reach of children.
• In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.