aluminium chloride hexahydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Topical aluminium-salt antiperspirant
Licensed treatment areas
Armpits, hands and feet
Application
Apply to completely dry skin, allow to dry and wash off in the morning
Availability
High-strength aluminium chloride antiperspirants can be bought from pharmacies
What is aluminium chloride hexahydrate used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for topical treatment of hyperhidrosis involving:
Armpits
Hands
Feet
How does aluminium chloride hexahydrate work?
It deposits aluminium salt within eccrine sweat ducts. The salt interacts with sweat proteins and duct keratin to form a temporary functional blockage, reducing further sweat secretion. Its antibacterial action may also reduce body odour.
How to take aluminium chloride hexahydrate
For external use only. Apply to affected armpits, hands or feet when the skin is completely dry, preferably before sleep. Let the solution dry naturally, wash your hands unless they are being treated, and wash the treated area thoroughly the next morning.
Do not bathe or shower immediately before application.
Keep away from the eyes, nose, mouth and broken or irritated skin.
Do not shave or use hair-removal products on treated armpits within 12 hours before or after application.
Avoid contact with clothing, jewellery, metal and polished surfaces.
The solution is highly flammable; keep it away from flames and ignition sources.
aluminium chloride hexahydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Mild, temporary irritation at the application site
- Skin redness
aluminium chloride hexahydrate in pregnancy
The product information states that no special precautions are required and that the product can be used during pregnancy, although formal safety trials have not been conducted. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber if there are individual concerns.
aluminium chloride hexahydrate while breastfeeding
The product information permits use while breastfeeding and specifies no special precautions, although formal safety trials have not been conducted. Avoid accidental contact between treated skin and the infant.
aluminium chloride hexahydrate interactions
No clinically relevant medicine interactions are known for the selected product.
Other medicines
Aluminium chloride hexahydrate is not known to affect, or be affected by, other medicines.
Common questions about aluminium chloride hexahydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What areas can aluminium chloride hexahydrate treat?
The selected UK product is licensed for excessive sweating of the armpits, hands and feet.
Can children use aluminium chloride hexahydrate?
The selected product information permits use in children as well as adults and older people. A pharmacist can advise if suitability is uncertain.
Why must aluminium chloride hexahydrate be applied to dry skin?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.