Drysol 20% Solution W/ Applicator
It is used to treat very bad sweating.
Drug Class
Antiperspirant
Pharmacologic Class
Astringent
Pregnancy Category
Not available
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Drysol is a strong antiperspirant used to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). It works by blocking the sweat glands, reducing the amount of sweat that reaches your skin. It's applied directly to the skin, usually at bedtime.
How to Use This Medicine
Proper Use of This Medication
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. This medication is for topical use only, meaning it should be applied directly to the affected area of your skin. Avoid getting it in your mouth, nose, or eyes, as it may cause burning.
Application Instructions
1. Wash your hands before and after applying the medication, unless your hand is the area being treated.
2. Clean the affected area before application and dry it thoroughly.
3. Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected area at bedtime.
4. To apply, turn the bottle upside down and use gentle pressure to dispense the solution. Avoid using excessive pressure on the bottle.
5. Do not use this medication as a roll-on.
After Application
1. If directed by your doctor, you may cover the treated area with plastic wrap, followed by a T-shirt, mitten, shower cap, or sock.
2. In the morning, wash the treated area with water and gently pat it dry.
Important Safety Precautions
This medication is flammable, so avoid using it near an open flame or while smoking.
Do not apply the medication to broken, irritated, or recently shaved skin.
Storage and Disposal
1. Store the medication at room temperature with the lid tightly closed.
2. Protect it from heat and open flames.
3. Keep all medications in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, skip it and resume your normal application schedule. Do not apply extra doses or double doses. Since this medication is often used as needed, follow your doctor's instructions regarding frequency of use and do not use it more often than directed.
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. This medication is for topical use only, meaning it should be applied directly to the affected area of your skin. Avoid getting it in your mouth, nose, or eyes, as it may cause burning.
Application Instructions
1. Wash your hands before and after applying the medication, unless your hand is the area being treated.
2. Clean the affected area before application and dry it thoroughly.
3. Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected area at bedtime.
4. To apply, turn the bottle upside down and use gentle pressure to dispense the solution. Avoid using excessive pressure on the bottle.
5. Do not use this medication as a roll-on.
After Application
1. If directed by your doctor, you may cover the treated area with plastic wrap, followed by a T-shirt, mitten, shower cap, or sock.
2. In the morning, wash the treated area with water and gently pat it dry.
Important Safety Precautions
This medication is flammable, so avoid using it near an open flame or while smoking.
Do not apply the medication to broken, irritated, or recently shaved skin.
Storage and Disposal
1. Store the medication at room temperature with the lid tightly closed.
2. Protect it from heat and open flames.
3. Keep all medications in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, skip it and resume your normal application schedule. Do not apply extra doses or double doses. Since this medication is often used as needed, follow your doctor's instructions regarding frequency of use and do not use it more often than directed.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Apply to completely dry skin (e.g., after showering and drying thoroughly, or using a hairdryer on the area).
- Apply at bedtime and wash off in the morning.
- Do not apply to broken, irritated, or recently shaved skin.
- Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
- Avoid contact with clothing or jewelry as it can stain or damage them.
- Use sparingly and only as directed to minimize irritation.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Apply to affected area at bedtime, once daily or as directed by physician. Reduce frequency to 1-2 times per week once sweating is controlled.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established
Infant:
Not established
Child:
Use with caution and under medical supervision, typically for severe hyperhidrosis not responsive to milder agents. Dosing similar to adults, but frequency may be adjusted.
Adolescent:
Similar to adult dosing.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption).
Moderate:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption).
Severe:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption).
Dialysis:
No specific considerations (minimal systemic absorption).
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption).
Moderate:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption).
Severe:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption).
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Aluminum chloride hexahydrate works by forming a physical plug within the sweat ducts, leading to their occlusion. This plug is formed by the precipitation of aluminum salts with mucopolysaccharides in the sweat ducts, effectively blocking the flow of sweat to the skin surface. The astringent properties also cause superficial coagulation of the skin proteins, further contributing to the blockage.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Minimal systemic absorption (less than 0.1% reported).
Tmax:
Not applicable (topical action).
FoodEffect:
Not applicable.
Distribution:
Vd:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption).
ProteinBinding:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption).
CnssPenetration:
No (minimal systemic absorption).
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption).
Clearance:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption).
ExcretionRoute:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption).
Unchanged:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption).
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Within a few days of consistent use.
PeakEffect:
Within 1-2 weeks of consistent use.
DurationOfAction:
Effect persists as long as regular application is maintained; typically 1-2 days after a single application once control is achieved.
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor or seek medical attention immediately, as they may be signs of a severe and potentially life-threatening side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
- Unusual hoarseness
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Irritation at the site where the drug was applied
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects or if they persist or bother you:
- Itching
- Burning or stinging
- Prickling
Note: This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor for advice. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor or seek medical attention immediately, as they may be signs of a severe and potentially life-threatening side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
- Unusual hoarseness
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Irritation at the site where the drug was applied
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects or if they persist or bother you:
- Itching
- Burning or stinging
- Prickling
Note: This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor for advice. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe itching, burning, stinging, or redness at the application site.
- Rash or skin discoloration.
- Swelling.
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This is crucial to avoid potential interactions between this medication and other substances.
* Any existing health problems, as they may affect the safety and efficacy of this medication.
To ensure your safety, it is vital to verify that this medication can be taken with all your current medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor. By sharing this information, you can help your doctor make informed decisions about your treatment and minimize potential risks.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This is crucial to avoid potential interactions between this medication and other substances.
* Any existing health problems, as they may affect the safety and efficacy of this medication.
To ensure your safety, it is vital to verify that this medication can be taken with all your current medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor. By sharing this information, you can help your doctor make informed decisions about your treatment and minimize potential risks.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.
To avoid staining, take precautions to protect your clothing and fabrics when using this drug, as it may cause discoloration. Additionally, be aware that this medication may react with certain metals, potentially causing harm.
While using this drug, refrain from using other deodorants or antiperspirants to minimize potential interactions. In the event of accidental ingestion, seek immediate medical attention by calling a doctor or a poison control center.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, consult your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks of using this medication, both to you and your baby. This will help you make an informed decision about your treatment.
To avoid staining, take precautions to protect your clothing and fabrics when using this drug, as it may cause discoloration. Additionally, be aware that this medication may react with certain metals, potentially causing harm.
While using this drug, refrain from using other deodorants or antiperspirants to minimize potential interactions. In the event of accidental ingestion, seek immediate medical attention by calling a doctor or a poison control center.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, consult your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks of using this medication, both to you and your baby. This will help you make an informed decision about your treatment.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Severe local skin irritation (burning, stinging, redness, blistering).
- If ingested (unlikely for topical), may cause gastrointestinal upset.
What to Do:
Discontinue use. Wash affected area with soap and water. Apply soothing creams if irritation is severe. For accidental ingestion, seek medical attention. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control).
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Symptom Monitoring
- Skin irritation (itching, burning, stinging, redness)
- Effectiveness in reducing sweating
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Use with caution. While systemic absorption is minimal, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Low risk due to minimal systemic absorption, but data are limited.
Second Trimester:
Low risk due to minimal systemic absorption, but data are limited.
Third Trimester:
Low risk due to minimal systemic absorption, but data are limited.
Lactation
Use with caution. Minimal systemic absorption suggests low risk to the infant, but data are limited. Avoid applying to areas where the infant may come into direct contact with the treated skin.
Infant Risk:
Low risk (L3 - Moderately safe, but data limited).
Pediatric Use
Use in children should be under medical supervision, especially for younger children, due to potential for skin irritation and lack of extensive safety data. Dosing may need adjustment based on tolerance.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustments are typically needed. Elderly patients may have more fragile skin and be more prone to irritation, so careful application and monitoring for skin reactions are advised.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Ensure skin is completely dry before application to minimize irritation and maximize effectiveness.
- Apply at night when sweat glands are less active.
- Start with daily application and reduce frequency once sweating is controlled (e.g., 1-2 times per week).
- If irritation occurs, reduce frequency of application or temporarily discontinue use.
- Can be used on various body areas prone to excessive sweating, including underarms, hands, and feet.
- Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and broken skin.
Alternative Therapies
- Over-the-counter antiperspirants (lower strength aluminum salts).
- Iontophoresis (for hands and feet).
- Botulinum toxin injections (Botox).
- Oral anticholinergic medications (e.g., glycopyrrolate, oxybutynin - systemic side effects).
- Surgical sympathectomy (last resort for severe cases).
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$20 - $50 per bottle
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Often not covered by insurance as it's an OTC-like product, or may require prior authorization for prescription strength.
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.