13.12 Antiperspirants

NHS England (NHSE) has published new prescribing guidance for various common conditions for which over the counter (OTC) items should not be routinely prescribed in primary care (quick reference guide). One of these conditions is mild to moderate hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

Many of these products are cheap to buy and are readily available OTC along with advice from pharmacies. Some self-care medicines are available from shops and supermarkets. Please click here for further information, exceptions, and a patient leaflet.

Drugs used but not listed here:

• Oxybutynin See section 7.4.2 Drugs for urinary frequency, enuresis, and incontinence
• Propantheline Bromide and Glycopyrronium Bromide topical solution See section 1.2 Antispasmodics and other drugs altering gut motility
• Botulinum toxin type A See section 4.9.3 Drugs used in essential tremor, chorea, tics, and related disorders

Aluminium chloride hexahydrate

• Roll-on applicator 20% (click here for preferred brand)

Indications and dose

• Hyperhidrosis affecting axillae, hands or feet
  • Apply once daily at night to dry skin, wash off the following morning, reduce frequency as condition improves — do not bathe immediately before use

Notes

1. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes; avoid use on broken or irritated skin; do not shave axillae or use depilatories within 12 hours of application
2. Avoid contact with clothing
3. The circumstances under which treatments for focal hyperhidrosis are commissioned in Devon can be found in the commissioning policy
4. Where a preferred brand is recommended for a particular presentation, prescribing by brand helps ensure cost-efficient use of local NHS resources (see preferred brand link above)

Last updated: 11-10-2019

 

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