Compositions and methods for inhibiting eccrine perspiration in humans

Non-pathological, physiologically normal sweating is inhibited through use of an a muscarinic anticholinergic amine that blocks parasympathetic stimuli from cholinergic nerve fibers to an innerved sweat gland. The anticholinergic agent is included in a form adapted to be topically applied to commonly sweaty areas of the body. Side effects are minimized by employing amines which are charged at physiological pH, thereby minimizing their ability to cross biological membranes. The most prefered anticholinergic agents are salts of quaternary amines (quaternary ammonium salts) which are always charged.