Indications & Uses
Dricare topical solution is used to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) affecting the armpits, hands, and feet.
Pharmacology
Aluminium Chloride Hexahydrate acts locally in the stratum corneum and terminal duct to relieve hyperhidrosis. Aluminium salts obstruct the ducts of sweat glands at the skin surface. It appears that aluminium ions precipitate with mucopolysaccharides, damaging epithelial cells along the duct lumen and forming a plug (gel) that blocks sweat output.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
This topical solution is for application to the armpits, palms of the hands or soles of the feet. Before applying Aluminium Chloride Hexahydrate, dry the affected area thoroughly to avoid burning the skin. Apply this topical solution at night after carefully drying the affected areas, then wash it off in the morning. Do not re-apply the product during the day. At first, it may be applied every night until daytime sweating stops. After that, you can cut back the frequency to twice a week or less.
Side Effects
Dricare can cause irritation on the skin. A weak corticosteroid cream may help ease it. Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Very common: irritation at the site of application. Immune system disorders Not known: hypersensitivity at the site of application, including dermatitis at the application site. Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Not known: reactions at the application site, including pain, itching, redness, rash and a burning sensation on the skin.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Dricare reacts with water to produce hydrochloric acid, so the areas being treated should be completely dry before application to avoid skin burning. Apply only to the affected area(s). Do not apply Dricare to skin that has been shaved within the past 12 hours or that is broken or irritated, and do not use hair removal products on the treated areas within 12 hours before or after applying it. Avoid contact with the eyes, nostrils, mouth or other mucous membranes; if accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. Also avoid letting it come into direct contact with clothing, jewellery or polished metal surfaces.
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to aluminium chloride hexahydrate or to any other ingredient in this preparation.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy: No data exist on the use of topical Aluminium Chloride Hexahydrate in pregnant women. Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity when the substance is given orally or by injection. However, aluminium is unlikely to penetrate the skin, so no effects on pregnancy are expected when the Aluminium Chloride Hexahydrate solution is used as directed.
Lactation: It is not known whether topical Aluminium Chloride Hexahydrate passes into human breast milk. Because aluminium is unlikely to penetrate the skin, no effects on the breastfed newborn or infant are expected with use of the Aluminium Chloride Hexahydrate solution. During lactation, care should be taken to avoid getting the solution on the breasts, so that the baby is not accidentally exposed to it. If any solution does come into contact with the breasts, all traces should be washed off before breastfeeding resumes.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
If you apply Aluminium Chloride Hexahydrate more often than recommended, the skin irritation can get worse. If it's swallowed, it can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and a burning feeling in the mouth and throat. In an overdose, you should also consider that some of the aluminium chloride may have been absorbed into the body.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Keep Aluminium Chloride Hexahydrate in a cool, dry place away from light, and store it below 25°C. Keep it away from naked flame. Store it upright.
Common questions about Apirent 20%
What is Apirent 20% Topical Solution?
Apirent 20% Topical Solution is a medicine that contains Aluminium Chloride Hexahydrate. It is made by Opsonin Pharma Limited. It belongs to the Miscellaneous topical agents group of medicines.
What is Apirent used for?
Dricare topical solution is used to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) affecting the armpits, hands, and feet.
What are the side effects of Apirent?
Dricare can cause irritation on the skin. A weak corticosteroid cream may help ease it.
Can I take Apirent during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Pregnancy: No data exist on the use of topical Aluminium Chloride Hexahydrate in pregnant women. Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity when the substance is given orally or by injection. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Apirent?
If you apply Aluminium Chloride Hexahydrate more often than recommended, the skin irritation can get worse. If it's swallowed, it can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and a burning feeling in the mouth and throat. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Apirent?
Keep Aluminium Chloride Hexahydrate in a cool, dry place away from light, and store it below 25°C. Keep it away from naked flame.
Do I need a prescription for Apirent?
Apirent is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.