Axhidrox Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Axhidrox Cream contains glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate), a topical antihidrotic from the anticholinergic class. It is a prescription-only medicine used to treat severe underarm sweating caused by primary axillary hyperhidrosis in adults. It is applied directly to the armpits and works by reducing the signal that triggers sweat glands in that area.

What is Axhidrox Cream

Axhidrox is a cream containing the active ingredient glycopyrronium bromide. It is a prescription-only topical antihidrotic used to treat severe underarm sweating.

Axhidrox Cream uses

• Topical treatment of confirmed severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating) in adults
• Treats severe underarm sweating
• Reduces excessive perspiration
• Helps manage primary axillary hyperhidrosis
• Improves dryness and comfort in the underarm area

Benefits of Axhidrox Cream

• Reduces sweat production in the treated armpits
• Can improve quality of life related to excessive sweating
• Provides localized treatment
• May improve daily comfort and clothing confidence
• Avoids some systemic exposure compared with oral anticholinergic medicines

How Axhidrox Cream works

Glycopyrronium blocks a chemical messenger (acetylcholine) that tells your sweat glands to produce sweat. By blocking this signal in the sweat glands under your arms, it reduces how much you sweat there.

Axhidrox Cream dosage

Apply only to the skin of your armpits, and only using the cap of the pump, not your fingers. During the first 4 weeks of treatment, apply to each armpit evenly, once a day, preferably in the evening. From the 5th week on, you may reduce how often you apply it to twice a week, depending on how well it is controlling your sweating. Use at the same time each day, preferably in the evening.

Wash the cap of the pump and your hands immediately and thoroughly with soap and water after applying, to avoid getting the cream in your nose, eyes, or mouth. Do not apply to other parts of your body — it is for underarm use only. Continuous treatment is needed to keep the effect going.

If you forget a dose, skip the missed dose and apply your next dose at the usual time — do not apply a double amount to make up for a missed dose. Avoid skin-to-skin contact between the treated area and other people after applying.

Available forms and strengths

• Cream (pump-pack, multidose container)

Side effects of Axhidrox Cream

Common

• Dry mouth
• Dry eyes
• Dry nose
• Dry skin
• Headache
• Constipation
• Blurred vision
• Irritation, pain, itching, eczema, skin inflammation, rash, skin reddening, or nodules in the treated armpit

Serious

• Signs of urinary retention, such as urinating in a weak stream or drops, needing to urinate more often, or feeling like your bladder is full or not fully empty
• Increasing sensation of heat or increased body temperature (possible overheating or heatstroke)
• Unequal pupils

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to glycopyrronium or any of its ingredients.
• Do not use if you have an eye condition with high eye pressure (glaucoma).
• Do not use if you have or have had acute bleeding with unstable heart and circulation problems.
• Do not use if you have severe ulcerative colitis or a related bowel complication called toxic megacolon.
• Do not use if you have a bowel blockage caused by paralysis of the bowel muscles.
• Do not use if you have myasthenia gravis or Sjögren syndrome.
• Do not use in children or teenagers under 18 years old.
• Do not apply to other parts of the body besides the armpits, as this can increase side effects and risk of overheating.
• Do not get the cream in your eyes, nose, or mouth — apply only with the pump cap, never your fingers.
• Avoid letting the treated skin touch other people's skin after application.
• There is little or no information on using this medicine during pregnancy. Your doctor will discuss whether you can use it while pregnant.
• If you are breastfeeding, you and your doctor need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop using this medicine, because your baby should not come into contact with the cream or treated skin.
• Tell your doctor if you have severe kidney problems, including if you need dialysis, as this medicine may need extra caution in this situation.
• No routine liver-specific dose adjustment is generally required.
• Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, as the effects of combining alcohol with this medicine are not fully known.
• Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how this medicine affects you, as it can cause blurred vision, drowsiness, fatigue, or dizziness.

Storage

• Store Axhidrox in a cool dry place below 30°C, away from moisture, heat, or sunlight
• Do not store it in the bathroom or near a sink, or in the car or on windowsills
• Keep it where young children cannot reach it
• Do not use after the expiry date shown on the pack
• After the first pump actuation, the medicine may be used for a maximum of 12 months
• If you no longer need the medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal

When to see a doctor

• Stop using the medicine and get medical help right away if you feel increasingly hot or notice your body temperature rising.
• Stop using and see a doctor if you notice signs of difficulty urinating, such as a weak stream, needing to urinate more often, or feeling your bladder isn't empty.
• If you think you've used too much, you may need urgent medical attention — contact your doctor or go to the emergency department, even if you feel fine.
• If the cream gets into your eyes, rinse them immediately with plenty of water.

Alternatives

• Glycopyrronium wipes
• Oxybutynin
• Botulinum toxin injections