Fludrocortisone
Information about Fludrocortisone
Fludrocortisone uses
Fludrocortisone is used in the treatment of Addison's disease and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
How fludrocortisone works
Fludrocortisone is a steroid medicine. It works by decreasing the amount of sodium that is removed through urine.
Common side effects of fludrocortisone
Thinning of skin, Gastrointestinal perforation, Decreased potassium level in blood, Muscle weakness, Irregular menstrual cycle, High blood pressure, Increased glucose level in blood, Sodium retention, Fluid retention, Hypokalemic alkalosis, Steroid myopathy, Osteoporosis, Compression fracture, Necrosis of femoral and humeral heads, Peptic ulcer, Pancreatic inflammation, Delayed wound healing, Bruising, Petechiae (red or purple spot caused by bleeding into the skin), Ecchymosis (discoloration of the skin resulting from bleeding underneath), Excessive hair growth on face, Acneiform eruptions, Facial swelling, Mental impairment, Convulsion, Increased intracranial pressure, Vertigo, Cushingoid syndrome, Growth retardation in children, Increased intraocular pressure, Posterior subcapsular cataract, Carbohydrate intolerance, Latent diabetes mellitus, Negative nitrogen balance
Available Medicine for Fludrocortisone
Expert advice for Fludrocortisone
- Fludrocortisone is used for the treatment of addison’s disease (Inadequate production of natural steroid hormones by the adrenal glands).
- It is also effective in correcting electrolyte imbalances associated with Addison's disease.
- Take it with food to avoid stomach upset.
- Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor the levels of electrolytes (such as sodium) in your blood while you are taking this medicine.
- Regularly monitor your blood pressure, your salt intake in foods, and your weight. Inform your doctor if you notice any changes.
- Let your doctor know you're on this medicine before you receive any vaccines.
- It can re-activate any old infections you may have. Inform your doctor if you have or had hepatitis B, C, or tuberculosis.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor first.
Frequently asked questions for Fludrocortisone
Fludrocortisone
Q. Is fludrocortisone a steroid?
Fludrocortisone is a corticosteroid. It is used to treat Addison's disease (inability of adrenal glands to produce adequate natural corticosteroid natural hormones), and salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome (a form of hormone imbalance resulting from abnormal steroid production by the adrenal glands and associated with loss of salt in the urine), and as an anti-inflammatory agent
Q. Is it used for blood thinning or in low blood pressure?
Fludrocortisone is not used for blood thinning or to lower blood pressure
Q. Does fludrocortisone cause weight gain/ weight loss/ hair loss/ adrenal suppression/ hypokalemia / rise in blood pressure or affect birth control?
Fludrocortisone can cause weight gain, rise in blood pressure, hypokalemia (reduced blood potassium level) and adrenal suppression in overdoses. It does not cause hair loss or affect birth control