aluminum chloride topical

Aluminum chloride topical is a medication used as an antiperspirant to manage excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and to control minor bleeding and/or growth of excessive new tissue (granulation tissue) in the wound healing process, after a nail or callus debridement.

Aluminum chloride is applied locally on the armpits (axillae), palms, and soles for controlling sweating or in the nail groove or callus after debridement. Aluminum chloride is available over the counter (OTC) in the U.S.

Aluminum chloride reduces sweating by forming an obstruction in the sweat gland ducts locally. Aluminum ions damage the epithelial cells in the sweat gland ducts which form a plug and block sweat output, however, sweat secretion itself is not affected. Normal sweat gland function resumes with new growth of skin cells, which makes it necessary to continue treating once or twice a week. Long-term treatment appears to destroy the sweat-secreting cells, reducing the severity of hyperhidrosis.

Aluminum chloride is also an astringent, a substance that constricts tissue by making fluids move away from the area where it is applied. This helps stop minor bleeding and prevent excessive formation of granulation tissue in the debrided areas of nail or callus, promoting healing of the treated area.

Warnings

• Do not use in patients with hypersensitivity to any of the components in the aluminum chloride formulation.
• Aluminum chloride may stain certain fabrics and affect certain metals. Avoid contact with clothing and other fabrics until the application is completely dry.
• Do not apply to broken, irritated, or recently shaved skin.
• Discontinue use if irritation or sensitization occurs.

Common side effects of aluminum chloride topical include:

• Skin irritation
• Burning sensation
• Prickling sensation
• Transient stinging
• Itching (pruritus)

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.

Topical Solution

• 6.25% (Drysol Mild, Xerac AC)
• 12% (Drysol)
• 20% (Drysol Extra Strength)
• Lumicain

Adult and Adolescents

Hyperhidrosis

• Indicated for severe, recalcitrant hyperhidrosis
• Apply to affected area at night; once excessive sweating decreases (typically after 2 or more treatments), decrease application to 1-2 times/week
• May cover treated area with plastic wrap held in place by tight fitting t-shirt, mitten, or sock; do not hold in place with tape

Administration

• Apply to completely dry skin to avoid irritation
• Do not apply to broken, irritated, or recently shaved skin
• 20% suitable for armpits (axillae), palms, and soles

Minor hemorrhage and granulation tissue growth during nail and callus debridement (Lumicain)

• Allow packing saturated in Lumicain to remain in nail groove for 48 hours; repeat if necessary; if hemorrhage is profuse, dress wound with gauze saturated with Lumicain and allow to remain for 24 hours or more

Infants and children

• Safety and efficacy not established

• Aluminum chloride used topically is unlikely to cause any serious adverse reactions.
• Orally ingested aluminum chloride overdose can result in aluminum accumulation in the brain with symptoms that include reduced level of consciousness, confusion, lethargy impaired balance, coordination and speech (ataxia) and seizures.
• Oral ingestion of aluminum chloride can also cause liver damage.
• Treatment for oral overdose of aluminum chloride may be symptomatic and supportive.

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 chloride topical 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 about 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 healthcare provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• There are no adequate and controlled studies on the use of aluminum chloride topical during pregnancy. Aluminum chloride topical should be used in pregnant women only if clearly needed.
• It is not known if aluminum chloride topical is excreted in breast milk, use with caution in nursing mothers.

• Apply aluminum chloride topical exactly as per label instructions.
• Aluminum chloride topical is for external use only. Avoid contact with eyes.
• Aluminum chloride topical solution is flammable. Keep away from fire and flame.
• Store safely out of reach of children.
• In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.