Aluminum Chloride Lotion for Foot Hyperhidrosis TreatmentDear Colleagues;
With the warming weather, I will talk about a formulation used for foot perspiration complaints of our patients who visit our pharmacies.If we examine this formula prescribed in France;
Rp
Aluminum chloride …… 30 g
Alcohol 95% ……………… ad. 100 g
Salicylic acid …………..2.5 g
Propylene glycol …………… 9 g
Substances in the formula
Aluminiumchlorid-hexahydrat, Aluminium chloratum cristallisatum, Aluminiumtrichlorid-6-Wasser, Aluminum chloride hexahydrate; Aluminum chloride is an antiperspirant used in the treatment of hyperhidrosis (exhibiting an inhibitory effect on sweat secretion). Generally, 20% alcoholic solutions are prepared. Its mechanism of action can be explained as the binding of metal ions to the sweat duct, and after leaking into the duct, gelling due to the local pH, leading to the obstruction of the sweat duct owing to the astringent effects of the metal ions. The plug inside the sweat duct remains effective for 7-14 days, and this effect;
- The skin’s renewal rate
- The individual’s hygiene habits
- The individual’s activity level
varies depending on these factors; however, for maximum efficacy, it should be used continuously for 10 days, and it has been observed that when discontinued after 10 days, the effect completely disappears by day 14.Aethanolum-Alcoholum-Ethanolum-Spiritus vini:In ancient times, it was called “water of life” and was believed to be a cure for practically every disease. Another important feature of alcohol is that it is an excellent solvent frequently used in most pharmaceutical formulations. While Ethyl Alcohol is effective at 60-90% concentration, a 70% concentration (vol/vol) exhibits optimal efficacy for skin antisepsis. On the other hand, when the concentration falls below 50%, it loses its activity to a great extent.
Alcohol exerts its effect by coagulating proteins and dissolving lipids. Since protein denaturation requires the presence of some water, the antimicrobial effect of absolute (96%) alcohol is weak.Acidum salicylicum-Salicylsäure-Acide salicylique-Salicylic acid;Salicylic acid accelerates desquamation. It exhibits a mild fungicidal effect. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) with the chemical formula C6H4(OH)CO2H. This colorless, crystalline organic acid is generally used as a plant hormone. It is a product of salicin metabolism. It possesses chemical properties similar to acetylsalicylic acid, known as aspirin.It is used in the treatment of fungal infections such as tinea barbae, tinea capitis, tinea cruris.
Propylenglycolum-Propylene glycol-Methyl ethylene glycol;Propylene glycol is an excipient used for various purposes in pharmaceutical preparations. It is used particularly as a solvent and vehicle for drugs that are unstable or insoluble in aqueous media. It is a better solvent than glycerin. Due to its moisturizing property, it is used instead of glycerin in topical moisturizing preparations. Propylene glycol may cause local irritation on skin and mucous membranes. Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported. Propylene glycol is a clear, colorless, odorless or faintly odorous, hygroscopic liquid with a slight characteristic taste. It is miscible with water, acetone, alcohol, and chloroform, soluble in ether, immiscible with fixed oils, but dissolves some essential oils. It should be stored in airtight containers in a cool place. It should be protected from light and moisture.Preparation of the formula;After aluminum chloride and salicylic acid are thoroughly pulverized in a mortar, they are dissolved by adding alcohol. The preparation is completed by the addition of propylene glycol.
The formulation is mostly applied to dry skin at bedtime and washed off in the morning before the sweat glands become fully active. Recommended to be applied every other day for 1-2 weeks, this formulation should then be applied once a week, and depending on the response obtained, the treatment duration may be extended up to six months.
We should remember that the effect of these formulations is short-term. It is used in the treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), especially of the hands, feet, and underarms. Aluminum chloride is a strong acid that is soluble in water and ethanol; therefore, it is a potent irritant. Aluminum chloride can cause irritation especially when applied to damp skin, an effect arising from the formation of hydrochloric acid. Since an alcoholic solution is less irritating, absolute alcohol 95% v/v is generally preferred in formulations. To prevent the irritant effect, 1% hydrocortisone acetate cream may be applied in the morning to the areas where the solution was applied after treatment.
Wishing you a great week…Specialist Pharmacist Ahmet Nezihi Pekcan
Pekcan Pharmacy – Konya
[email protected]
Tel: (332) 3520657
http://www.majistralformul.com/
