Drysol
Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) is a topical antiperspirant. It treats overactive sweat glands, a condition known as excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) is typically applied to the affected areas (e.g., underarms, palms of the hands, soles of the feet) daily until results are seen, then just once or twice a week after that. Some potential side effects of this medication include burning, itching, prickling, or tingling at the treated area.
What is Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)?
What is Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) used for?
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
How Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) works
Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) is a topical skin product. While the exact way this medication works isn't known, it’s thought that the aluminum in the medication reacts with your body and forms a plug over the sweat ducts with the nearby skin cells. This lowers the amount of sweat that's released from your sweat ducts. The sweat glands open back up as new skin grows in the area.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Drysol |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Topical skin product |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Itching
- Skin irritation
The following Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
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Pros and cons of Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)
Pros
- Works well to treat excessive underarm sweating
- Can apply just once or twice a week after results are achieved from initial daily treatment
- Comes in a lower strength if the stronger formulation is too irritating
- Sweat protection can last for 2 days after application
Cons
- Not as effective at treating excessive sweating of the hands or feet
- Can rub off onto bed sheets when applied at night
- Shouldn't be used on recently shaved skin because it's more likely to cause skin irritation
- Can't use with other deodorants at the same time
Pharmacist tips for Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)
- Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) should be applied to completely dry skin. If it's applied to wet skin the medication can cause more irritation and won't work as well.
- It's recommended to apply Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) at bedtime because most people sweat less at night. This medication won’t work as well if you use it while you’re actively sweating. Leave the medication on your skin for about 6-8 hours. Wash the treated area next morning with soap and water.
- Some Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) products contain alcohol, which can irritate your skin. To lower irritation, let the alcohol in the medication evaporate. You'll feel it drying on your skin, leaving a thin film of medication behind. If applying it to your underarms, you can dry the area with a blow dryer in the "cool" setting, if needed.
- Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) is harmful to certain fabrics and metals. After you apply this medication, wear clothing that you don't mind getting damaged. And try not to have the treated area of your skin come in contact with metal material.
- Wear a t-shirt while sleeping to prevent medication from being rubbed off on your sheets.
- Don't apply Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) to broken, irritated or recently shaved skin. Applying it to recently shaved skin can raise your chance of irritation. It's best to wait 1 to 2 days after shaving before using the medication.
- Don't apply other deodorants or antiperspirants while using Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate). You can apply regular deodorant on the days that you don't use Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate).
Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) dosage
Bottle of topical solution| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35ml of 20% | 1 bottle | $15.07 | $15.07 |
| 60ml of 20% | 1 bottle | $18.28 | $18.28 |
| 37.5ml of 20% | 1 bottle | $14.35 | $14.35 |
Typical dosage for Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)
Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) is available as many different products, which vary in strengths and directions. To make sure you're using this medication correctly, follow the directions from your provider.
In general, make sure the area you're applying the medication to is completely dry. The typical dosing is to apply to the affected area once daily at bedtime. Wash the treated area with soap and water the next morning. Once you see some improvement after applying the medication every night, you can try applying it less often.
How much does Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) cost?
$14.35
What are alternatives to Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)?
Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) images
