Aluminum Acetate (Monograph)

Brand names: Domeboro, Gordon’s Boro-Packs, Pedi-Boro
Drug class: Astringents
VA class: DE900
Chemical name: Aluminum Acetate
Molecular formula: C₆H₉AlO₆
CAS number: 139-12-8

Introduction

Topical astringent and antiseptic; aluminum salt.

Uses for Aluminum Acetate

Dermatologic Conditions

Used topically as self-medication (OTC use) for the temporary relief of minor skin irritations (e.g., insect bites; athlete’s foot; poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; rashes due to soaps, detergents, cosmetics, or jewelry). Helps relieve itching and has a cooling and drying effect; particularly useful on wet or weeping lesions.

Used topically for the relief of swelling associated with minor bruises^{† [off-label]} and for reducing foot sweat^{† [off-label]}.

Aluminum acetate preparations also have been used topically for the relief of a variety of other skin-related conditions, such as eczema^{† [off-label]} , diaper rash^{† [off-label]} , acne^{† [off-label]} , and pruritus ani^†.

Aluminum Acetate Dosage and Administration

Administration

Topical Administration

Apply aluminum acetate solution topically to the affected area of the skin as a wet dressing or compress or as a soak.

All commercially available aluminum acetate-containing preparations are for external use only. Avoid contact with eyes.

Keep out of reach of children; if ingested, immediately contact local poison control center.

Reconstitution of Powder for Topical Solution

Mix 1–3 packets of Domeboro Powder Packets, Gordon’s Boro-Packs, or Pedi-Boro Soak Paks in 16 ounces of water, preferably at cool or room temperature, to obtain modified Burow’s solution of buffered aluminum acetate in the following concentrations:

Do not dissolve topical powder in solutions other than water.

Do not strain or filter reconstituted solution.

The manufacturers of Gordon’s Boro-Packs and Pedi-Boro Soak Paks advise to shake well before use.

Prior to initial use, the manufacturer of Domeboro Powder Packets states that reconstituted solution may be divided into individual portions and stored for later application. (See Storage under Stability.)

Discard solution after each use. Once cloth has come into contact with skin, do not re-insert cloth into reconstituted solution for reuse.

Dilution of Topical Solution

Consult manufacturer’s product information or clinician for instructions on the proper dilution of aluminum acetate topical solution or Burow’s Solution for topical application to the skin. Solutions should not be used without dilution with water. Diluted solutions containing 0.13–0.5% aluminum acetate are commonly used.

Discard solution after each use.

Dosage

For self-medication for dermatologic conditions, reconstituted or diluted aluminum acetate solutions containing 0.13–0.5% aluminum acetate generally used.

Pediatric Patients

Dermatologic Conditions

Compress or Wet Dressing

Topical

Saturate clean, soft, white cloth with solution and gently squeeze and then apply cloth loosely to affected area for 15–30 minutes; repeat as necessary or as directed by a clinician.

Soak

Topical

Soak affected area for 15–30 minutes; repeat 3 times daily or as directed by a clinician.

Adults

Dermatologic Conditions

Compress or Wet Dressing

Topical

Saturate clean, soft, white cloth with solution and gently squeeze and then apply cloth loosely to affected area for 15–30 minutes; repeat as necessary or as directed by a clinician.

Soak

Topical

Soak affected area for 15–30 minutes; repeat 3 times daily or as directed by a clinician.

Special Populations

No special population dosage and administration recommendations at this time.

Cautions for Aluminum Acetate

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to aluminum acetate or to any ingredient in the formulation.

Warnings/Precautions

Warnings

Administration Precautions

For external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes.

Importance of discontinuing use and consulting a clinician if condition worsens or symptoms persist for >1 week.

Do not cover compress or wet dressing with plastic to prevent evaporation.

Prolonged soaking may result in excessive drying of skin.

Concurrent use of soap may reduce astringent action of aluminum acetate.

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Unknown.

Lactation

Not known whether topical aluminum acetate is distributed into milk.

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients appear similar to that in adults.

Keep aluminum acetate preparations out of the reach of children.

Common Adverse Effects

Topical application to the skin: skin irritation, inflammation, and dryness.

Drug Interactions

Consult with a clinician prior to use with other topical or systemic medications.

Collagenase

Potential pharmacologic interaction (decreased efficacy of topical collagenase); avoid concomitant use.

Aluminum Acetate Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Extent

Substantial systemic absorption from intact or denuded skin, wounds, or mucous membranes appears unlikely following topical application.

Stability

Storage

Topical

Powder for Topical Solution

Protect from excessive heat.

Following reconstitution, unused solution prepared from Domeboro Powder Packets may be stored at room temperature in a clean, capped container for ≤7 days. (See Administration under Dosage and Administration.)

Topical Solution

Tight, light-resistant containers at 15–30°C.

Compatibility

Topical

Solution Compatibility

Actions

• Aluminum acetate is produced when aluminum sulfate and calcium acetate are mixed in water.

• Topical solution acts as an astringent by constricting blood vessels. Relieves inflammation and itching; cools and dries skin and wet or weeping skin lesions.

Advice to Patients

• Importance of understanding that topical aluminum acetate preparations are intended for external use only.

• Importance of avoiding contact with the eyes.

• Importance of discontinuing use and consulting a clinician if condition worsens or symptoms persist for >1 week.

• Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.

• Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs, dietary supplements, and/or herbal products, as well as any concomitant illnesses.

  Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information. (See Cautions.)

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name

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