Topical methenamine therapy for hyperhidrosis

Abstract

Methenamine, in a gel stick formulation, effectively decreased palmar and plantar sweating in 24 of 26 individuals studied. All patients had essential hyperhidrosis and were evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Even though methenamine is believed to act by the slow release of formaldehyde, one patient, who had a formaldehyde sensitivity that was proved by a patch test, was able to use the methenamine gel stick without difficulty. Approximately one third of the patients experienced some continuing relief for one to three weeks after discontinuing the trial medication. I conclude that methenamine is a safe, effective addition to the available types of topical therapy for essential hyperhidrosis.

Palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis: a practical management algorithm

“…• Formaldehyde, prescribed as 10% formalin [6]; • Glutaraldehyde, prescribed as 10% aqueous solution [7]; • Methenamine, prescribed as 8% in a cream vehicle [8,9].…”

Treatment of hyperhidrosis*

“…Brown skin staining results and contact eczema and eye damage has been reported. Other topical antiperspirants include poldine methosulphate (Nacton) 4% in absorbing dusting powder (Boots K285) or in methyl alcohol (Grice & Bettley, 1966), propantheline (Probanthine) spray (Frankland & Seville, 1971), methenamine in a gel stick formulation which releases formalin but is said to be less likely to produce contact eczema (Cullen, 1975), aqueous aluminium chloride 20% or aluminium chlorhydroxide which is less acidic and has less damaging effect on clothes and is an effective deodorant (Shelley & Hurley, 1975).…”

Fokale Hyperhidrose

“…B. Gerbsäuren (z. B. Tannosynt®) und ▂ Methenamin (Antihydral®-Salbe), das im sauren Milieu Formaldehyd abspaltet.Cullen[8] berichtet über gute Wirksamkeit von topischem 5% Methenamin bei Patienten mit Hyperhidrosis manuum et pedum, Bergstresser und Quero[3] bestätigen diese Ergebnisse. Eine Vergleichsstudie zur topischen Anwendung von 10% Methenamin vs. topische Therapie mit 5% Glutaraldehyd vs. Leitungswasseriontophorese von Phadke et al[41] zeigte Überlegenheit von Methenamin im Vergleich zu Glutaraldehyd und Iontophorese.Als Nebenwirkung unter Behandlung mit Methenamin werden Hyperpigmentierungen beschrieben.…”