Comprehensive medication guide to Drysol including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$5–$30 copay on most commercial plans; typically covered as Tier 1–2 with no prior authorization required. Medicare Part D coverage varies by plan.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$27–$37 retail for a 60 mL bottle; as low as $9–$17 with GoodRx or SingleCare coupons — one of the most affordable prescription options for hyperhidrosis.
Medfinder Findability Score
82/100
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Drysol is a prescription-strength topical antiperspirant containing 20% aluminum chloride hexahydrate in anhydrous ethyl alcohol. It is the first-line prescription treatment for primary hyperhidrosis — a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating that goes beyond what the body needs for temperature regulation.
Drysol is manufactured by Person & Covey and is available in standard solution and Dab-O-Matic applicator formats. Related brand names include Hypercare (20%) and Xerac AC (6.25%). Hyperhidrosis affects approximately 4.8% of the U.S. population — about 15 million Americans — and can significantly impact quality of life, confidence, and daily functioning.
Drysol is used on the underarms, palms, soles of the feet, and occasionally the scalp or face. It is significantly more effective than over-the-counter antiperspirants and is recommended by dermatologists when OTC options have failed.
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Drysol works through a local, mechanical mechanism. When applied to completely dry skin at bedtime, the aluminum chloride ions in the solution penetrate the upper eccrine sweat ducts. Inside the duct, the aluminum ions react with mucopolysaccharides (long-chain sugar molecules) in the cells lining the duct wall, causing these cells to swell and die.
This creates a physical plug that blocks sweat from reaching the skin surface — effectively "corking" the sweat duct. The effect is not permanent: as skin naturally regenerates, the plug dissolves and the duct reopens. This is why maintenance use (1–2 times per week after initial loading) is required. Studies show Drysol reduces sweat volume by up to 30% and is effective in up to 98% of patients who use it correctly.
Unlike oral hyperhidrosis medications (such as glycopyrrolate) or anticholinergic wipes (such as Qbrexza), Drysol does not work through the nervous system. It acts entirely at the sweat duct level, which is why it has minimal systemic side effects.
20% — Topical Solution
Standard Drysol prescription; 35 mL or 60 mL bottle
20% — Dab-O-Matic Topical Solution
Dab-O-Matic applicator format for easier application to underarms
6.25% — Topical Solution (Xerac AC)
Lower concentration for patients with skin sensitivity; less potent than 20%
As of 2026, Drysol is not on the FDA or ASHP national drug shortage lists. However, patients commonly report difficulty filling their prescriptions at local pharmacies. Drysol has a findability score of 82 out of 100 — generally available, but with stocking gaps at individual pharmacy locations.
The findability challenges stem from several factors: Drysol is a lower-volume specialty product that many pharmacies don't routinely stock; it contains flammable alcohol requiring special handling; and demand has grown faster than pharmacy inventory due to expanded telehealth access. Independent pharmacies, compounding pharmacies, and mail-order services like Amazon Pharmacy tend to have more reliable stock than chain pharmacies.
If your pharmacy is out of Drysol, use medfinder — they contact pharmacies near you to find which ones can fill your prescription and text you the results.
Because Drysol is not a controlled substance, any licensed healthcare provider can prescribe it without special DEA registration or restrictions. It is widely prescribed across multiple specialties:
Dermatologists — Primary specialists for hyperhidrosis; manage the full spectrum of treatment options
Primary care physicians (PCPs) — Family medicine and internal medicine doctors routinely prescribe Drysol
Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) — Can prescribe in most states in primary care, dermatology, and urgent care settings
Pediatricians — May prescribe for adolescent patients with hyperhidrosis, with appropriate monitoring
Drysol is also well-suited for telehealth prescribing. Platforms such as RedBox Rx, Push Health, and Treated USA offer online evaluations and same-day prescriptions for hyperhidrosis. Many general telehealth platforms (Zocdoc, Teladoc, MDLive) can also connect patients with providers who prescribe Drysol.
No. Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) is not a controlled substance and has no DEA schedule. It is a topical antiperspirant with no abuse potential, no psychoactive effects, and no restrictions on the prescribing provider. Any licensed healthcare provider — including primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and telehealth providers — can prescribe Drysol without special DEA authorization.
Because Drysol is not controlled, there are no refill restrictions beyond what your insurer or pharmacy may impose for standard prescriptions. Telehealth prescribing is fully permitted without the additional requirements that apply to Schedule II–V drugs.
Burning or stinging at the application site (most common — usually from applying to damp or recently shaved skin)
Itching at the treated area
Tingling or prickling sensation
Redness at the application site (usually mild and temporary)
Dryness or skin flaking from the alcohol base
Severe redness, swelling, or pain at the treated area
Blistering or oozing rash (contact dermatitis)
Signs of allergic reaction: hives, dizziness, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat — seek emergency care immediately
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Qbrexza (glycopyrronium cloth 2.4%)
FDA-approved anticholinergic wipe for axillary hyperhidrosis; blocks nerve signals to sweat glands rather than plugging ducts; costs $580–$840/month without insurance; requires step therapy through Drysol first on most insurance plans
Sofdra (sofpironium 12.45% gel)
Newer FDA-approved topical anticholinergic gel for axillary hyperhidrosis; applied once daily; requires prior auth after Drysol failure on most insurance plans
Botulinum toxin A (Botox) injections
FDA-approved for severe axillary hyperhidrosis; injected every 4–6 months by a dermatologist; costs $1,000–$1,500 per session without insurance; highly effective for treatment-resistant cases
Oral glycopyrrolate
Oral anticholinergic used off-label for generalized hyperhidrosis; effective systemically but causes more systemic side effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention) than topical options
Certain Dri (OTC, 12% aluminum chloride)
Over-the-counter lower-concentration version; no prescription needed; good for mild hyperhidrosis or as a bridge while searching for Drysol
Prefer Drysol? We can find it.
Other antiperspirants/deodorants
minorDo not apply concurrently with Drysol — increases skin irritation and reduces effectiveness. Regular deodorant may be used in the morning on non-Drysol application days.
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
moderateDrysol contains anhydrous ethyl alcohol. Disulfiram causes a reaction when any alcohol is absorbed. Discuss with your provider before using both concurrently.
Metronidazole (Flagyl)
moderateLike disulfiram, metronidazole can cause alcohol-type reactions. Concurrent use with topical alcohol-containing Drysol should be discussed with your prescriber.
Tinidazole
moderateSame class as metronidazole; similar precautions regarding alcohol-containing topical products apply.
Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate 20%) is a well-established, affordable, and effective first-line treatment for hyperhidrosis. Its decades-long track record, minimal drug interactions, localized side effect profile, and low cost — as little as $9 with GoodRx — make it the standard of care for excessive sweating before escalating to more expensive second-line therapies.
The main challenge patients face with Drysol is not safety or efficacy — it's finding it in stock. As a lower-volume specialty topical, it may not be on the shelf at every pharmacy. Patients should be prepared to search multiple pharmacy locations, try mail-order options, or ask about equivalent brands like Hypercare.
If you're having trouble locating Drysol at a pharmacy near you, medfinder can help. You provide your medication, dosage, and location — medfinder contacts pharmacies near you and texts you which ones can fill your prescription.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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