aluminum chloride hexahydrate

Action and Spectrum

Actions and spectrum: 

• Antiperspirant Action: aluminum chloride hexahydrate has astringent properties that help constrict the sweat glands, effectively reducing the production of sweat. This action is particularly useful in conditions like hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and bromhidrosis (strong body odor) where excessive sweating is a concern. 
• Sweat Gland Suppression: aluminum chloride hexahydrate penetrates the sweat glands and forms a temporary plug, inhibiting the release of sweat. This mechanism helps control sweating in the treated area. 
• Localized Effect: aluminum chloride hexahydrate is typically applied topically to specific areas of the body, such as the underarms, palms, or soles of the feet. Its effect is localized to the application site, where it reduces sweating and can help alleviate associated issues like body odor. 
• Limited Systemic Absorption: aluminum chloride hexahydrate is primarily confined to the site of application and has limited systemic absorption. It works locally without significant distribution throughout the body. 

The spectrum of aluminum chloride hexahydrate is mainly focused on reducing excessive sweating in localized areas. It is commonly used in clinical conditions where excessive sweating poses social and functional challenges. The medication is typically available as a solution or gel and is applied topically according to the instructions provided by a healthcare professional or as indicated on the product label. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Itching 

Irritation 

Tingling 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning:  

There is no specific black box warning associated with the use of aluminum chloride hexahydrate. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Hypersensitivity: Individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to aluminum chloride hexahydrate or any of its components should not use the medication.  
• Broken or Irritated Skin: It is not recommended to apply aluminum chloride hexahydrate to broken, irritated, or damaged skin. This is because the medication may cause further irritation or discomfort and delay the healing process. 
• Kidney Dysfunction: aluminum chloride hexahydrate is primarily used topically and has limited systemic absorption. However, individuals with severe kidney dysfunction or renal failure should exercise caution when using the medication. 
• Age Restrictions: aluminum chloride hexahydrate is generally safe for use in adults and children over a certain age. However, specific age restrictions may apply, and it is important to follow the recommended age guidelines provided by a healthcare professional or indicated on the product label.

Caution: 

• Skin Sensitivity: Some individuals may have increased skin sensitivity to aluminum chloride hexahydrate.  
• Application to Intact Skin Only: aluminum chloride hexahydrate should only be applied to intact skin and should not be used on broken, irritated, or damaged skin. Applying it to broken or damaged skin can lead to increased absorption and potential systemic effects. 
• Eye and Mucous Membrane Contact: Avoid contact of aluminum chloride hexahydrate with the eyes or mucous membranes, such as the nose, mouth, or genital areas.  
• Interactions with Other Products: aluminum chloride hexahydrate may interact with other topical medications, cosmetics, or products applied to the same area of the skin. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist to ensure there are no potential interactions or negative effects when using multiple products. 
• Pregnancy and Lactation: Limited data is available regarding the safety of aluminum chloride hexahydrate during pregnancy and lactation.

Comorbidities: 

• Skin Disorders: Individuals with pre-existing skin disorders, such as dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis, may have increased skin sensitivity. The use of aluminum chloride hexahydrate may potentially exacerbate these conditions or cause skin irritation.  
• Kidney Disease: Although the systemic absorption of aluminum chloride hexahydrate is minimal, individuals with severe kidney dysfunction or renal failure should exercise caution. aluminum can accumulate in the body and potentially lead to aluminum toxicity.  
• Allergies or Sensitivities: Individuals with known allergies or sensitivities to aluminum chloride hexahydrate or any of its components should avoid using this medication. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: Pregnancy Category: C 

Lactation: distributed in breast milk: Unknown  

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.   
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

aluminum chloride hexahydrate is a compound that exhibits astringent and antiperspirant properties. When applied topically, it interacts with proteins in the skin and forms insoluble complexes, resulting in the constriction of tissues and reduced permeability. This astringent effect helps to tighten and dry out the skin, providing relief from itching, inflammation, and minor skin irritations. 

As an antiperspirant, aluminum chloride hexahydrate works by temporarily blocking sweat ducts, reducing the production of sweat in the treated area. This helps to alleviate excessive sweating and manage conditions such as hyperhidrosis. 

The exact mechanism of action of aluminum chloride hexahydrate in providing these pharmacological effects is not fully understood. However, its ability to precipitate proteins and form insoluble complexes contributes to its astringent and antiperspirant properties.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

• Antiperspirant Action: aluminum chloride hexahydrate acts by constricting or narrowing the sweat ducts, thereby reducing the production of sweat. It forms a temporary plug or blockage in the sweat glands, limiting the release of sweat onto the skin surface. 
• Reduction of Sweat Production: By inhibiting the release of sweat, aluminum chloride hexahydrate helps control excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in localized areas of the body, such as the underarms, hands, or feet. 
• Control of Body Odor: Excessive sweating can contribute to unpleasant body odor. By reducing sweat production, aluminum chloride hexahydrate can help manage body odor associated with excessive sweating. 
• Localized Effect: The pharmacodynamic effect of aluminum chloride hexahydrate is primarily limited to the site of application. It acts locally on the sweat glands in the specific area where it is applied and does not have systemic effects on other parts of the body. 
• Duration of Action: The duration of action of aluminum chloride hexahydrate varies depending on factors such as the concentration used, individual response, and factors influencing sweat production. The effect is usually temporary and may last for several hours or up to a day.

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

When aluminum chloride hexahydrate is applied topically to the skin, it primarily acts locally and has limited absorption into the bloodstream. The medication works by interacting with the sweat glands and surrounding skin without significant systemic effects. 

Distribution 

Due to its localized effect, aluminum chloride hexahydrate remains primarily at the site of application. It does not distribute extensively throughout the body. 

Metabolism 

aluminum chloride hexahydrate is not metabolized in the body. It undergoes minimal or no metabolic changes. 

Elimination and excretion 

Since aluminum chloride hexahydrate has limited systemic absorption, the amount that enters the bloodstream is minimal. Any absorbed aluminum ions are excreted primarily through the kidneys. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

• Clean and Dry the Skin: Before applying aluminum chloride hexahydrate, ensure that the skin is clean and dry. Gently wash and dry the area where the medication will be applied. This helps optimize its absorption and effectiveness. 
• Apply a Thin Layer: Use a small amount of aluminum chloride hexahydrate and apply it as a thin, even layer to the targeted area. For example, when using it as an antiperspirant for underarm sweating, apply a thin layer to the clean, dry underarm area. 
• Follow Product Instructions: Read the instructions provided by the manufacturer or follow the guidance of your healthcare professional for the specific product you are using. These instructions may include the recommended frequency of application, duration of use, and any additional precautions. 
• Allow Time for Drying: After applying aluminum chloride hexahydrate, allow sufficient time for the product to dry on the skin before covering the area with clothing or applying other products. 
• Avoid Contact with Eyes: Be cautious to prevent the medication from coming into contact with the eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes.  
• Avoid Application on Broken or Irritated Skin: Do not apply aluminum chloride hexahydrate to broken, irritated, or damaged skin. This can cause additional discomfort or irritation. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: aluminum chloride hexahydrate 

Pronounced: (uh-LUH-min-uhm KLOR-ide HEK-suh-HYE-dreyt)  

Why do we use Aluminum chloride hexahydrate? 

• Hyperhidrosis: aluminum chloride hexahydrate is commonly used to reduce excessive sweating in specific areas of the body, such as the underarms, palms, soles of the feet, or other areas prone to profuse sweating. It helps control sweat production by temporarily blocking the sweat glands and decreases the sweat released onto the skin. 
• Body Odor: Excessive sweating can contribute to body odor. aluminum chloride hexahydrate can be used to manage body odor associated with increased sweat production by reducing sweat production itself.