Medicines & treatments centre

ALUMINIUM CHLORIDE HEXAHYDRATE WARNINGS

Aluminium chloride hexahydrate should be used with caution, especially note the following:

• Only use on the armpits, hands or feet.
• Make sure that the treated areas are completely dry before applying.
• Do not apply to broken or irritated skin.
• When treating the armpits, do not shave or use hair-removing products within 12 hours before or after applying.
• Avoid contact with eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid direct contact with clothing and polished metal surfaces.
• Avoid spillage as this may cause damage to you, your clothing and your possessions.
• The product is highly flammable. Do not use it near flames or ignition sources.

It should not be used in:

• Allergies to aluminium chloride hexahydrate, or any of the other ingredients.

Also see list of precautions and interactions

STORAGE

Do not store above 25°C.

ALUMINIUM CHLORIDE HEXAHYDRATE USES

What is it used for?

• Aluminium chloride hexahydrate is used to reduce sweating and provide a deodorant action.
• It is an antiperspirant.
• It is used to block sweat ducts in the skin and kill the bacteria that cause body odour.
• Benefits of being on this drug can include the reduction of sweating by blocking sweat ducts in the skin, and a deodorising action, which is achieved by killing the bacteria that cause body odour.

Listed below are the typical uses of aluminium chloride hexahydrate.

• For the treatment of excessive sweating specifically involving armpits, hands or feet.

On occasion your doctor may prescribe this medicine to treat a condition not on the above list. Such conditions are listed below.

• None known.

HOW TO USE/TAKE

How often do I take it?

• Apply this medication last thing at night after drying the affected areas carefully. Wash off in the morning. Do not re-apply the product during the day.
• Use this medication regularly, as instructed, in order to get the most benefit from it.
• Remember to use it at the same time each day - unless specifically told not to by your doctor.
• There is no information on how long this drug takes to reach its full effect.
• Certain medical conditions may require different dosage instructions as directed by your doctor.

What dose?

• Dosage is based on your age, gender, medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines.

Do I need to avoid anything?

• Using this product is not known to affect your ability to drive or use machinery. Avoid spillage as this may cause damage to you, your clothing and your possessions. Avoid getting this medication into the eyes or mouth, if this happens, rinse the eyes or mouth with plenty of water. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

When can I stop?

• There is no information on the appropriate time to stop using this medication.

ALUMINIUM CHLORIDE HEXAHYDRATE SIDE EFFECTS

• skin irritation,
• redness.

If any of these persist or you consider them severe then stop using the medication and inform your doctor or pharmacist.

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• none known.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

The Yellow Card Scheme allows you to report suspected side effects from any type of medicine (which includes vaccines, herbals and over the counter medicines) that you are taking. It is run by the medicines safety watchdog called the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory agency (MHRA). Please report any suspected side effect on the Yellow Card Scheme website.

ALUMINIUM CHLORIDE HEXAHYDRATE PRECAUTIONS

Before taking aluminium chloride hexahydrate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other antiperspirant; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist in case of:

• Allergies to aluminium chloride hexahydrate, or any of the other ingredients.

Before using this medication tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially any of the following: none known.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

Does alcohol intake affect this drug?

• Alcohol intake is not known to affect aluminium chloride hexahydrate.

The elderly: aluminium chloride hexahydrate can be used in the elderly.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding - please ensure you read the detailed information below

PREGNANCY

Aluminium chloride hexahydrate is suitable to take during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any doubts or questions about this.
The ingredients have been in widespread use in this and similar preparations for many years, without reports of problems. However, safety trials have not been conducted.

It is sensible to limit use of medication during pregnancy whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.

BREAST FEEDING

Aluminium chloride hexahydrate is suitable to use if you are breastfeeding.

It is sensible to limit use of medication during breastfeeding whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.

ALUMINIUM CHLORIDE HEXAHYDRATE INTERACTIONS

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious, possibly fatal interactions may occur: none known.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and non-prescription/herbal products you may use, also:

• Do not bathe immediately before use.
• If treating the armpits, do not shave or use hair-removing products within 12 hours before or after applying.

This information does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using aluminium chloride hexahydrate, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use.

ALUMINIUM CHLORIDE HEXAHYDRATE OVERDOSE

Applying too much aluminium chloride hexahydrate may cause the following: irritation of the treated skin

People who apply too much aluminium chloride hexahydrate, should try applying the product less often, or apply a mild hydrocortisone cream to help to relieve the irritation

If you think you, or someone you care for, might have accidentally swallowed aluminium chloride hexahydrate or intentional overdose is suspected, contact your local hospital, GP or if in the UK call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

MISSED DOSE

Do not worry if you occasionally forget to use this product, just carry on using it when you remember.