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Treatment · prescription skin treatment that reduces sweating

Sofdra for excessive underarm sweating

Sofdra is a prescription gel used once a day for excessive underarm sweating. It is FDA-approved for people age 9 and older. It is not approved for other body areas.

At a glance

prescription skin treatment that reduces sweating

Sofdra

Used for
underarms
Type
Prescription skin treatment

How it works

It blocks a nerve signal that tells sweat glands to work. The body breaks down the active drug soon after it leaves the skin.

Who it is for

Sofdra is approved for excessive underarm sweating in adults and children age 9 and older. The main studies, CARDIGAN-1 and CARDIGAN-2, tested underarm use.

What the studies measured

CARDIGAN-1 and CARDIGAN-2 compared Sofdra with an inactive gel. The studies measured a seven-day symptom score and the weight of sweat after 43 days.

How to apply

Apply the measured dose once a day to clean, dry underarms. Wash your hands after use. Keep the gel out of your eyes and off broken or freshly shaved skin.

Common side effects

Skin reactions are most common. Dry mouth, blurred vision, a widened pupil, constipation, or trouble urinating can also occur.

Why the drug breaks down quickly

Sofdra was designed to act near the skin, then change into a less active form in the body. This may limit whole-body exposure, but it does not remove the usual side effects of this drug type.

What to consider

  • • Type: prescription gel in a measured dispenser
  • • Schedule: once daily for both underarms
  • • Prescription required
  • • FDA-approved use: underarm sweating, age 9+
  • • Body area: underarms only

Side effects and reasons this may not be safe for you

  • • Application-site reactions (most common)
  • • Dry mouth
  • • Pupil widening if inadvertent eye contact
  • • Urinary hesitation
  • • Blurred vision
  • • Constipation (less common)

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Sources for this treatment

Important numbers and approved uses on this page link back to the research or official information that supports them.

Approved use

How well it works

Side effects

Contraindications

Frequently asked

Is Sofdra better than Qbrexza?
No study has compared them head to head. Both are approved for the same age group and body area. Sofdra is a gel. Qbrexza is a cloth. Side effects and directions differ.
How long until Sofdra works?
The main studies measured results after 43 days. Some people may improve sooner. Daily use matters.
Why is Sofdra only approved for the underarms?
The main studies tested underarms. Other body areas have not been studied in the same way and may absorb or react to the gel differently.

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Where this fits

Step 01

Antiperspirants applied to the skin

1 option
Step 02a

Prescription skin treatments that reduce sweating

2 options

prescription skin treatment that reduces sweating

Qbrexza

Used for
underarms
Type
Prescription skin treatment
Read Qbrexza →

prescription skin treatment that reduces sweating

Sofdra

Used for
underarms
Type
Prescription skin treatment
Read Sofdra →
Step 02b

Iontophoresis

1 option
Step 03

Pills that reduce sweating

2 options

pill that reduces sweating

Robinul

Used for
underarms, hands, feet, face and scalp, several areas, most of the body
Type
Pill
Read Robinul →

pill that reduces sweating

Ditropan

Used for
underarms, hands, feet, face and scalp, several areas, most of the body
Type
Pill
Read Ditropan →
Step 04

Injectable and in-office procedures

3 options

Botox

Botox

Used for
underarms, hands, feet, face and scalp, groin and skin folds
Type
Injection
Read Botox →
Step 05

Surgery (ETS), last-resort context

1 option

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Body areas it treats

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Study measures