Therapeutic antiperspirant

Aluminium chloride hexahydrate (كلوريد الألومنيوم)

Aluminium chloride is a strong antiperspirant that temporarily blocks sweat ducts. It treats excessive sweating of the armpits, hands or feet when ordinary antiperspirants are insufficient and can irritate damp or broken skin.

What it is used for

  • Treating excessive underarm sweating
  • Treating excessive sweating of the palms
  • Treating excessive sweating of the soles

How it is used

  • Apply a thin layer to completely dry skin as directed and let it dry before covering the area
  • Wash it off at the time stated in the leaflet and do not apply another deodorant until it is removed
  • Reduce application frequency once sweating is controlled as the pharmacist advises
  • Wash hands after application unless the hands are being treated
  • Do not apply immediately after hair removal or to broken or inflamed skin

Possible side effects

  • Stinging, burning or itching
  • Redness, dryness or peeling of the skin
  • Rash or contact dermatitis
  • Discolouration of clothing or damage to some metals on contact

Who should not use it

  • Allergy to aluminium chloride or any ingredient
  • Broken, infected or severely inflamed skin at the treatment site

Before and while using it

  • Skin must be completely dry to reduce acid formation and irritation
  • Stop and wash the area if severe burning, blistering or swelling occurs
  • New, night-time sweating or sweating with palpitations or weight loss needs assessment for another cause
  • Keep it away from the eyes, mouth, nose and mucous membranes
  • Alcohol-based solution is flammable; keep it away from flame and heat until dry

Medicine interactions

  • Do not apply other irritants, perfumes or acids to the same area at the same time
  • Hair removal and shaving increase irritation; separate them from application as directed
  • Tell the dermatologist about every other topical treatment for excessive sweating

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • Absorption through intact skin is low; ask a doctor or pharmacist before use in pregnancy or breastfeeding and do not apply it to the breast

How to store it

  • Keep the container upright and tightly closed as directed, away from flame, heat and children's reach

Get medical help straight away if

  • Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
  • You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
  • A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Questions about this medicine?

Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.

Source: Standard international medicine references

This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.