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
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).
Common questions about Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)
Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) is applied to the affected skin areas at bedtime. Before you use this medication, the skin must be completely dry. If you just showered, wait at least 2 hours before using Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate). Or, you can speed up the drying process using a hair dryer in the "cool" setting. After the skin is dry, apply Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) as directed by your provider; specific directions will differ depending on which product you're prescribed. In the morning, wash the treated area with mild soap and water.
Your response to Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) can depend on your specific symptoms and which product you're using. In general, you can expect to notice less sweating within a few days. After this time, your provider will likely direct you to only apply Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) once or twice a week. Let your provider know if you don't notice less sweating after a few days of nightly use.
Follow the directions on the product you're using. You might start to see some improvement after using Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) nightly for 2 days. Once you start to see results, your prescriber might ask you to use it less often.
According to the American Cancer Society, there isn't a clear link between aluminum-containing deodorants like Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) and cancer. More research is needed in this area. Discuss your risk for cancer with your healthcare provider, so they can help you lower your risk.
If you experience burning, stinging, or general irritation after applying Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate), wash the area with soap and water. This can sometimes happen if the product is applied to broken skin, recently-shaved skin, or wet or damp skin or if the strength is too high. If your product is causing irritation, stop using it and contact your healthcare provider. They might recommend that you wait until after your skin has healed (or dried) to apply Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate), or that you use a lower-strength Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) product.
The manufacturer doesn't recommend using any other products while using Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate). This might be because using other products at the same time as Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) could cause it not to work as well, or the combination could lead to side effects. If you don't see improvement after using Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) for a few days, contact your healthcare provider to discuss the next steps.
Yes. When your sweat comes into contact with bacteria on your skin, it can develop an odor. By blocking sweat from coming out onto your skin, Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) helps prevent odor as well.
Make sure you don't use Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) past the expiration date on your product. Doing so could mean the medication won't work as well for you. Using medications after they've expired could also be harmful.
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Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) dosage
Bottle of topical solution| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35ml of 20% | 1 bottle | $12.06 | $12.06 |
| 60ml of 20% | 1 bottle | $15.55 | $15.55 |
| 37.5ml of 20% | 1 bottle | $11.28 | $11.28 |
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?
$11.28
What are alternatives to Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)?
Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) images
