Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Anhydrol Forte 20% w/v Cutaneous Solution

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Aluminium chloride hexahydrate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Aluminium chloride hexahydrate
Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

FOR

  • Anhydrol Forte is a treatment for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) of the armpits, hands or feet.
  • Anhydrol Forte is suitable for use by adults, children and the elderly.
  • The active ingredient in this product is aluminium chloride hexahydrate. It helps the product to:
  • reduce sweating by blocking sweat ducts in the skin, and
  • provide a deodorant action by killing the bacteria that cause body odour.

What you need to know before you take it

E ANHYDROL FORTE

Do not use Anhydrol Forte if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to aluminium chloride hexahydrate or the other ingredient of Anhydrol Forte, industrial methylated spirit. Take special care when using this product:

  • Only use it on the armpits, hands or feet.
  • Make sure that the treated areas are completely dry before applying the product (see Section 3 for advice on this).
  • Do not use on broken or irritated skin:
  • when treating the armpits, do not shave or use hair-removing products within 12 hours before or after applying Anhydrol Forte.
  • Keep it away from the eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Avoid spillage as this may cause damage to you, your clothing and your possessions (see Section 4):
  • do not shake the bottle.
  • do not attempt to remove the roller ball head.
  • keep the cap tightly closed when not in use.
  • The product is highly flammable. Do not use it near flames or ignition sources. Under arm shaving/hair removal Do not shave or use hair removing products in the 12 hours before and after using Anhydrol Forte Using other medicines Anhydrol Forte is not known to affect or be affected by any other medicines. Pregnancy and breast feeding This product can be used during pregnancy and while breast feeding. The ingredients have been in widespread use in this and similar preparations for many years, without reports of problems. However, safety trials have not been conducted. Driving and using machinery Using this product is not known to affect your ability to drive or use machinery.

For adults, children and the elderly:

  • Use only on the armpits, hands or feet.
  • Ensure that the treated areas are completely dry before applying the product. To achieve this:
  • do not bathe or shower immediately before applying the product,
  • apply it last thing at night, just before going to bed (this is because your sweat glands tend to be least active while you are asleep).
  • Before applying the product, ensure the cap is screwed on tightly, then tip the bottle up to wet the roller-ball. Do not shake the bottle.
  • Unscrew the cap and apply the product to the affected areas, as required.
  • Allow the product to dry naturally (this should only take a couple of minutes), then wash the hands (unless treating them).
  • Leave the product on overnight, then wash it off thoroughly in the morning.
  • Initially, apply Anhydrol Forte overnight in this way for two nights in a row, then do not use the product for the next two nights.
  • Repeat this two-nightly treatment cycle for as long as necessary.
  • Increase or decrease the frequency of application to suit your own requirements (but bear in mind that if you experience side effects this probably means that you are applying it too often – see Section 4). continued…

Prints: Pantone 280

QP18/24/1 202384

How to take it

ANHYDROL FORTE

Flat size: 100mm x 330mm

Using other antiperspirants or deodorants: The use of ordinary antiperspirants or deodorants is not necessary when using Anhydrol Forte. If you still wish to use these types of products, you should either:

  • apply them only on the days in between, when you are not using Anhydrol Forte, or;
  • apply them after washing off Anhydrol Forte the next morning, making sure that all antiperspirants and deodorants are washed off and the skin is completely dry before re-applying Anhydrol Forte. If the product gets into the eyes or mouth The product may cause damage if it gets into the eyes or mouth. Rinse the eyes or mouth with plenty of water. If rinsing one eye, take care to avoid washing product into the other eye. Then seek urgent hospital attention. If you use this product too often Excessive use may lead to irritation of the treated skin. If irritation occurs, apply the product less frequently and treat the symptoms as described in Section 4. If you forget to use this product Do not worry if you occasionally forget to use this product, just carry on using it when you remember.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Anhydrol Forte can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. A common reaction to this type of treatment is skin irritation and redness at the site of application. This is normally mild and temporary. If it becomes troublesome, try applying the product less often, or you may wish to apply a mild hydrocortisone cream to help to relieve the irritation. If you spill the product on your clothes, fabrics, jewellery or metal and polished surfaces it may damage them permanently. Stop using this product and tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the side effects get serious, or you notice any other side effects not mentioned in this leaflet. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

How to store it

ANHYDROL FORTE

  • Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Always replace the cap tightly after use.
  • Store the bottle upright to avoid spillage.
  • Do not store the product above 25°C.
  •  The product is highly flammable. Store it away from flames or ignition sources.
  • Do not use after the expiry date shown on the container. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
  • Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.

Contents of the pack and other information

What Anhydrol Forte contains: The active ingredient is aluminium chloride hexahydrate (20% w/v). The other ingredient is industrial methylated spirit. What Anhydrol Forte looks like and contents of the pack This bottle contains 60 ml cutaneous solution of Anhydrol Forte. The bottle is fitted with a roll-on applicator and screw-cap. The product is a clear, colourless liquid that contains no fragrance. Marketing Authorisation holder Dermal Laboratories, Hitchin, Herts, SG4 7QR. Manufacturer Aeropak, Viking Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 0NU, UK. This leaflet was last revised in June 2024.

QP18/24/1 202384

To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio, please call free of charge: 0800 198 5000 (UK only). Please be ready to give the following information: Anhydrol Forte, 00173/0030. This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

Prints: Pantone 280

Flat size: 100mm x 330mm

Frequently asked questions about Anhydrol Forte 20% w/v Cutaneous Solution

How do I take Anhydrol Forte 20% w/v Cutaneous Solution?

Anhydrol Forte 20% w/v Cutaneous Solution comes as solution. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Anhydrol Forte 20% w/v Cutaneous Solution?

The active substance in Anhydrol Forte 20% w/v Cutaneous Solution is aluminium chloride hexahydrate.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Anhydrol Forte 20% w/v Cutaneous Solution, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Anhydrol Forte 20% w/v Cutaneous Solution without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Aluminium chloride hexahydrate (1 medicine)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

For the topical treatment of hyperhidrosis specifically involving axillae, hands or feet.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

For adults, children and the elderly: Apply to the affected sites at night, as required, and allow to dry. Wash off in the morning.

4.3. Contraindications

Not to be used in cases of sensitivity to any of the ingredients.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Care should be taken to restrict the application to the affected sites only. Keep away from the eyes. Care should be taken to avoid Anhydrol Forte coming into direct contact with clothing, polished surfaces, jewellery or metal. Replace cap tightly after use.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Do not bathe immediately before use and, if the axillae are treated, do not shave or use depilatories on this area within 12 hours before or after use.

4.6. Pregnancy and lactation

No special precautions.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

None known.

4.8. Undesirable effects

If applied too frequently, Anhydrol Forte may cause irritation which should be treated with a mild topical hydrocortisone cream. 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.

4.9. Overdose

See section 4.8 above (undesirable effects).

🇵🇱 Known in Poland as

Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako

⚠ Not the same combination. This medicine contains Aluminium chloride hexahydrate. The products below do not contain exactly the same set of active substances — they are not direct substitutes.

  • Gelatum Aluminii phosphorici Aflofarm partial — not the same combinationAluminii phosphas · skin / topical
  • Gelatum Aluminii phosphorici partial — not the same combinationAluminii phosphas · skin / topical

Some of these do not contain exactly the same active substances — check each one. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about Anhydrol Forte 20% w/v Cutaneous Solution. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.

Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

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