Key facts about Fludrocortisone
What dosages is Fludrocortisone available in?
Fludrocortisone is available as a 0.1 mg oral tablet.
What is Fludrocortisone used for?
Fludrocortisone is a corticosteroid that is used to treat Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (a genetic condition that affects hormone production).
How does Fludrocortisone work?
Fludrocortisone is a corticosteroid. These are man-made steroids that are like cortisol, a natural hormone your body makes. It’s used to maintain the sodium, potassium, and water balance in your body.
How do I take Fludrocortisone?
Fludrocortisone is typically taken by mouth with dose ranges from 0.1 mg to 0.2 mg by mouth once daily. Your healthcare provider might adjust your dose based on your individual condition, side effects, and response to the medication.
Is it safe for me to take Fludrocortisone?
Fludrocortisone is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have a systemic fungal infection and in those with a history of possible or known hypersensitivity to these agents.
Fludrocortisone Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Fludrocortisone include:
- Swelling from fluids
- High blood pressure
- Muscle or bone weakness
- Stomach pain
- Slower wound healing
- Thin, fragile skin
- Headaches
- Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- Changes in your mood
- Headache
- Weight gain
Fludrocortisone Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Fludrocortisone. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe allergic reaction: trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling (on your face, lips, mouth, or throat), peeling skin, rash, hives
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Fludrocortisone
The following medications may interact with Fludrocortisone:
- Amphotericin B or potassium-depleting diuretics – May worsen hypokalemia
- Digitalis glycosides – Increased risk of arrhythmias or digitalis toxicity associated with hypokalemia
- Oral anticoagulants – Decreased prothrombin time response. Monitor prothrombin levels and adjust anticoagulant dosage accordingly
- Antidiabetic drugs (oral agents and insulin) – Reduced antidiabetic effect. Monitor for symptoms of hyperglycemia; adjust dosage of antidiabetic drug upward if necessary
- Aspirin – Increased ulcerogenic effect; decreased pharmacologic effect of aspirin
- Barbiturates, phenytoin, or rifampin – Decreased levels and effects of Fludrocortisone
- Anabolic steroids – Increased risk of edema.
- Vaccines – Neurological complications and lack of antibody response
- Estrogen – May increase the levels and effects of Fludrocortisone
Who makes Fludrocortisone?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Fludrocortisone safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Fludrocortisone will harm your unborn baby. Animal studies, however, suggest that excessive use of steroids can cause harm to unborn babies. You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medication if you are pregnant.
