Driclor is indicated for the treatment of hyperhidrosis of the armpits (axillae), the hands and the feet.

Driclor is for application to the axillae, palms of the hands or soles of the feet.

Before applying aluminium chloride hexahydrate, the affected area should be dried thoroughly to avoid burning of the skin (see Warnings and Precautions).

Apply Driclor last thing at night after drying the affected areas carefully. Wash off in the morning. Do not re-apply the product during the day.

Initially the product may be applied each night until sweating stops during the day. The frequency of application may then be reduced to twice a week or less.

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.

Aluminium chloride hexahydrate reacts with water to produce hydrochloric acid. Therefore the areas to be treated should be completely dry before application to avoid skin burning.

Application should be restricted to the affected area(s) only.

Driclor should not be applied to skin that has been shaved within 12 hours or which is broken or irritated.

Hair removal products should not be used on areas to be treated within 12 hours before or after applying Driclor.

Avoid contact with eyes, nostrils, mouth or other mucous membranes. In case of accidental contact with the eyes or other mucous membranes, rinse well with water.

Avoid direct contact with clothing, jewellery and polished metal surfaces.

None known

Pregnancy

There are no data from the use of topical aluminium chloride hexahydrate in pregnant women.

Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity following oral and parenteral administration (see Non-Clinical Information).

Due to the nature of aluminium it is unlikely that it penetrates the skin, therefore no effects during pregnancy are anticipated with use of aluminium chloride hexahydrate solution.

Lactation

It is unknown whether topical aluminium chloride hexahydrate is excreted in human milk.

Due to the nature of aluminium, it is unlikely that it penetrates the skin, therefore no effects on the breast-fed newborn/infant are anticipated with use of aluminium chloride hexahydrate solution.

If aluminium chloride hexahydrate is used when breast-feeding, care should be taken not to get any solution on the breasts to ensure that the baby is not accidentally exposed to aluminium chloride hexahydrate. If any of the solution does get on the breasts, the patient should be instructed to wash-off all traces before beginning breast-feeding.

None

Driclor may cause irritation which may be alleviated by use of a weak corticosteroid cream.

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are listed below by MedDRA system organ class and by frequency. Frequencies are defined as: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 and <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1,000 and <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000 and <1/1,000), very rare (<1/10,000), and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Clinical Trial Data

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

Post Marketing Data

Immune System Disorders

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at:www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard

Symptoms and signs

Application more frequently than recommended may increase the severity of skin irritation.

Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and burning in the mouth and throat.

The formulation contains a significant quantity of ethanol. Systemic absorption of this should be considered a possibility in the event of overdosage.

Treatment

In the event of accidental oral ingestion rinse the mouth with plenty of water.

Further management should be as clinically indicated or as recommended by the national poisons centre, where available.

Aluminium chloride hexahydrate acts locally, in the stratum comeum and in the terminal duct, to relieve hyperhidrosis.

ATC Code

D11AA

Pharmacotherapeutic Group: Dermatologicals, Other dermatological preparations, Antihidrotics.

Mechanism of Action

Aluminium chloride hexahydrate is acidic and is thought to act by diffusing into the sweat ducts where on neutralisation it forms gelatinous hydroxides which obstruct the flow of sweat.

The antiperspirant effect of aluminium chloride hexahydrate is partly explained by production of mechanical blockage in the eccrine sweat duct. Following application, aluminium is found in the stratum corneum and intra-luminally in the terminal duct.

It has been suggested that the metal ions form precipitating complexes with the mucopolysaccharides and carboxyl groups of the stratum corneum. This causes damage to the luminal epithelial cells, generating an obstructive conglomerate which plugs the acrosyringium. Studies of long-term treatment with aluminium chloride have shown that prolonged application leads to functional and structural degeneration of the eccrine acini, accounting for the observed progressive decrease in severity of hyperhidrosis during treatment.

Not applicable

Absorption

Due to the effective absorption barriers of gut, lung and skin, the absorption rates of aluminium via the oral, inhalational and dermal routes are 0.1-0.3%, 1.5-2%, and approximately 0.01% respectively.

Distribution

About 90% of plasma aluminium is bound to transferrin, 7% occurs as citrate, and less than 1% as phosphate and hydroxide.

Elimination

More than 99% of orally ingested aluminium is eliminated via faeces. Of the small amounts of aluminium absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, more than 95% is excreted in the urine.

None

a) For the product as packaged for sale

3 years

b) After first opening the container

Comply with expiry date

Store in a cool place below 25 °C. Keep away from naked flame. Store upright.

High density polyethylene bottle with roll-on applicator.

Pack size: 30ml, 40ml, 45ml, 50ml and 60ml

High density polyethylene bottle with polypropylene cap.

LDPE housing containing polypropylene roller-ball with over-cap for self-assembly.

Pack Size: 60ml, 75ml

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

The pack should be assembled according to the instructions in the package leaflet.