Is Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) over-the-counter?

No. Although there are some [OTC antiperspirants that contain aluminum](https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/alternative-treatments/the-benefits-of-moving-to-aluminum-free-more-natural-deodorants-and-perspirants), Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) requires a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Why can't I use deodorant with Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)?

The manufacturer doesn't recommend using any other deodorants or antiperspirants while using Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate). This might be because using other deodorants or antiperspirants at the same time as Xerac AC (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 Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) for a few days, contact your healthcare provider to discuss the next steps.

Does Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) expire?

Yes. Don't use Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) once the expiration date has passed. After this time the medication [might not work as well](https://www.goodrx.com/drugs/safety/expired-medications) for you, and it could also lead to side effects. If your product is expired, you should discard it (out of reach of children) and contact your pharmacy for a refill.

Does Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) need to be refrigerated?

No, you can store Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) at room temperature. But it needs to be stored in a [dry, cool, and well-ventilated](https://imgcdn.mckesson.com/CumulusWeb/Click_and_learn/SDS_9PERSN_XERAC_AC_SOL_APPL.pdf) place (e.g., away from the shower in your bathroom).

Xerac AC

aluminum chloride hexahydrate

Used for Excessive Sweating

Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) is a topical antiperspirant that's used to treat hyperhidrosis, which is the medical term for excessive sweating. Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) is available as a liquid solution that's applied once a day before bedtime, then washed off in the morning. There isn't a generic version of this medication, and it requires a prescription from your provider. Possible side effects of Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) include itching and skin irritation.

Reviewed by:

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on January 7, 2024

What is Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)?

What is Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) used for?

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

How Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) works

Xerac AC (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.

Are you looking for information on Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) instead?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Xerac AC
Drug Class	Topical skin product
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Xerac AC

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 Xerac AC (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

Source: DailyMed

The following Xerac AC (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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Avg retail price

$23.32(Save 40.65%)

$13.84

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Pros and cons of Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)

Pros

Applied directly to the affected area(s)
Works overnight as you sleep
Works well to treat excessive underarm sweating

Cons

Not available over-the-counter
Can stain or damage bed linen if medication rubs off during sleep
Can cause eye irritation if it contacts the eyes

Pharmacist tips for Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)

Make sure to apply Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) to skin that's completely dry.
Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) contains alcohol, which can irritate your skin. Allow the alcohol to evaporate to lower the risk of irritation.
Don't apply Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) to irritated skin, broken skin, or recently shaved skin because this can cause redness, burning, or stinging.
Avoid getting Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) in your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, wash them with water.
Don't use other deodorants or antiperspirants while you're using Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate).
Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) can be harmful to cotton fibers and certain metals. If you're applying Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) to your underarms, wear a shirt that you don't mind getting stained to prevent the medication from getting on bed linens.

Common questions about Xerac AC

When Xerac AC is used as instructed by your provider, it's safe for most people. Avoid getting it in your eyes, because this can cause irritation. You should also avoid applying it to broken or recently shaved skin, since it can cause burning and stinging in these areas.

No. Although there are some OTC antiperspirants that contain aluminum, Xerac AC requires a prescription from a healthcare provider.

The manufacturer doesn't recommend using any other deodorants or antiperspirants while using Xerac AC. This might be because using other deodorants or antiperspirants at the same time as Xerac AC could cause it not to work as well, or the combination could lead to side effects. If you don't see improvement after using Xerac AC for a few days, contact your healthcare provider to discuss the next steps.

Yes. Don't use Xerac AC once the expiration date has passed. After this time the medication might not work as well for you, and it could also lead to side effects. If your product is expired, you should discard it (out of reach of children) and contact your pharmacy for a refill.

There isn't enough information to know how long the effects of Xerac AC will last. It likely depends on where you're applying it. People who used a higher strength of this medication on the palms experienced less sweating for up to 2 days.

No, you can store Xerac AC at room temperature. But it needs to be stored in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place (e.g., away from the shower in your bathroom).

Xerac AC comes as a liquid in a bottle with a sponge inside of the cap. Use the sponge to apply the medication to the affected areas, such as the underarms. Make sure the skin is completely dry first. Typically, you use this medication at bedtime and leave it on overnight (6-8 hours), then wash it off with soap and water in the morning. Your healthcare provider might give you different instructions for applying it.

Risks and warnings for Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)

Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

For use on the skin only

Only use Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) on your skin. Avoid getting it in your eyes, because this could cause irritation. If Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) gets in your eyes, wash them thoroughly with water. If you accidentally swallow this medication, contact a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.

Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) dosage

The average cost for 1 bottle of 60ml of 6.25% of Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) is $18.96 with a free GoodRx coupon.

Bottle of topical solution

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
35ml of 6.25%	1 bottle	$13.84	$13.84
60ml of 6.25%	1 bottle	$18.96	$18.96

Typical dosage for Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)

Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate 6.25%): Make sure the area you're applying the medication is completely dry. The typical dose is to apply Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) to the affected areas at bedtime or as directed by your provider. Keep it on for 6 to 8 hours, then wash it off in the morning with soap and water.

How much does Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) cost?

To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.

Xerac AC (brand)

GoodRx lowest price

$13.84

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What are alternatives to Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate). Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)

Used for:

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

$13.84Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)

Used for:

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

$14.35Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) images

This medicine is Colorless Bottle Of Topical Solution.colorless - Xerac AC Topical Solution

References

Goh, C. L. (1990). Aluminum chloride hexahydrate versus palmar hyperhidrosis. Evaporimeter assessment. International Journal of Dermatology.

International Hyperhidrosis Society. (n.d.). Aluminum chloride.

Person & Covey, Inc. (n.d.). Xerac AC DOM 35cc.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

What is Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)?

What is Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) used for?

How Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) works

Are you looking for information on Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) instead?

Drug facts

Side effects of Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)

Common Side Effects

The following Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) side effects have also been reported

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Pros and cons of Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)

Pros

Cons

Pharmacist tips for Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)

Common questions about Xerac AC

Is Xerac AC safe?

Is Xerac AC over-the-counter?

Why can't I use deodorant with Xerac AC?

Does Xerac AC expire?

How long does Xerac AC last?

Does Xerac AC need to be refrigerated?

How to apply Xerac AC?

Risks and warnings for Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)

For use on the skin only

Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) dosage

Typical dosage for Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)

How much does Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) cost?

$13.84

What are alternatives to Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate)?

Xerac AC (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) images

References

View All References (2)

Common questions about Xerac AC

Is Xerac AC safe?

Is Xerac AC over-the-counter?

Why can't I use deodorant with Xerac AC?

Does Xerac AC expire?

How long does Xerac AC last?

Does Xerac AC need to be refrigerated?

How to apply Xerac AC?