Generic Name: aluminum hydrochloride
Brand Names: Drisol, Certain Dri, Hydrosol, Xerac AC, Hypercare Solution
What is aluminum hydrochloride, and what is it used for?
Aluminum hydrochloride is an astringent used in over-the-counter deodorants and antiperspirants. It is a powerful antiperspirant used for treating hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Aluminum hydrochloride works by reducing the activity of sweat glands and may also shrink sweat glands.
What is the dosage for aluminum hydrochloride?
- Aluminum hydrochloride should be applied to affected areas once daily (for example, to the armpit, soles of feet, or palms) at bedtime. The frequency may be reduced to 1 to 2 times weekly as sweating decreases.
- Aluminum hydrochloride is for topical use only and should not be applied to broken, irritated, or recently shaved skin.
- It may damage certain metals and fabrics and it should not be used near an open flame.
What drugs interact with aluminum hydrochloride?
- There are no drug interactions listed for aluminum hydrochloride.
Is aluminum hydrochloride safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Use of aluminum hydrochloride during pregnancy has not been adequately evaluated.
- It is not known whether aluminum hydrochloride is excreted in breast milk.
What else should I know about aluminum hydrochloride?
Do I need a prescription for aluminum hydrochloride?
- No, it is available over the counter.
What preparations of aluminum hydrochloride are available?
- PREPARATIONS: Solution: 6.25 and 20%
How should I keep aluminum hydrochloride stored?
- STORAGE: Aluminum hydrochloride should be stored at room temperature, 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F).
SLIDESHOW
Dehydration: Causes, Symptoms & Signs See SlideshowSummary
Aluminum hydrochloride is sold in solution or in over-the-counter deodorants and antiperspirants. Aluminum hydrochloride is used to prevent excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) by reducing the activity and perhaps shrinking the sweat glands. The most common side effects of aluminum hydrochloride are irritation of the skin, itching, and tingling of the skin. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Sweating (Perspiration) Quiz: Test Your IQ
What is the medical term for excessive sweating? Take the Sweating (Perspiration) Quiz to learn the benefits of sweating. Yes,...
-
Sweating: Why We Sweat, What’s Normal, and What’s Excessive (Hyperhidrosis)?
Read about hyperhidrosis (excessive axillary, palmar, plantar sweating) treatment (antiperspirant, Botox, surgery), a sign of,...
-
What Causes Night Sweats?
It's no fun to wake in the middle of the night with your sheets drenched. Learn some common (and not-so-common) causes of night...
Related Disease Conditions
-
Night Sweats
Night sweats are severe hot flashes that occur at night and result in a drenching sweat. The causes of night sweats in most people are not serious, like menopause in women, sleep apnea, medications, alcohol withdrawal, and thyroid problems. However, more serious diseases like cancer and HIV also can cause night sweats. Your doctor will treat your night sweats depending upon the cause. You may experience other signs and symptoms that are associated with night sweats, which depend upon the cause, but may include, shaking, and chills with a fever caused by an infection like the flu or pneumonia; unexplained weight loss due to lymphoma; women in perimenopause or menopause may also have vaginal dryness, mood swings, and hot flashes during the day; and low blood sugar in people with diabetes. Other causes of night sweats include medications like NSAIDs (aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), antidepressants, sildenafil (Viagra), and abuse of prescription or illegal drugs and drug withdrawal; hormone disorders like pheochromocytoma and carcinoid syndrome; idiopathic hyperhidrosis; infections like endocarditis, AIDs, and abscesses; alcoholism and alcohol withdrawal; drug abuse, addiction, and withdrawal; and stroke. A doctor or other health care professional can treat your night sweats after the cause has been diagnosed.
-
Itch (Itching or Pruritus)
Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching including infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
-
Hives (Urticaria)
Hives, also called urticaria, is a raised, itchy area of skin. Most often the cause of hives is unknown. Sometimes it is a sign of an allergic reaction to food or medications, but the cause of the allergy (the allergen) is unknown. Dermatographism and swelling (angioedema) may accompany hives. Treatment to get rid of hives and alleviate symptoms typically includes antihistamines.
-
Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating of the underarms, palms, or soles of the feet. Treatment may involve over-the-counter antiperspirants, prescription antiperspirants, iontophoresis, medications, surgery, and Botox.
-
When to Be Concerned About Night Sweats?
An individual should be concerned about night sweats when they have been ongoing for two weeks or longer.
-
How Do I Know If My Night Sweats Are Serious?
You’ll know that your night sweats are serious if your night sweats occur regularly, keep you from sleeping well, and come along with a fever, or if you experience weight loss for no apparent reason.
-
Is It Normal for Your Vagina to Sweat?
It is completely normal for your vagina to sweat due to the presence of sweat glands around the groin region. Check out the center below for more medical references on vaginal health, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.
-
How Do I Know if I Have Hyperhidrosis?
If you find yourself sweating excessively even when you're not very hot, you may have hyperhidrosis. This condition affects about 3% of the world population'. People with hyperhidrosis tend to sweat when they're at rest and not exerting themselves.
-
What is the Best Treatment for Hyperhidrosis?
Excessive sweating is called hyperhidrosis. Treatment options for hyperhidrosis include prescription drying medications, injections and surgery.
-
When Should I Be Worried About Night Sweats?
Night sweats may be cause for concern if they occur regularly, disrupt your sleep, or are accompanied by symptoms such as fever, chills, or unintended weight loss.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Prevention & Wellness
Health News
- Scans Show Brain Changes in People With Long COVID
- Got GERD? Eat This Way to Help Avoid Symptoms
- 5 Women Contracted Syphilis Affecting the Eyes From the Same Asymptomatic Man
- Long COVID Now Common in U.S. Nursing Homes
- Breathing in Coal-Based Pollution Could Be Especially Deadly: Study
More Health News »
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.