GENERIC NAME: FLUDROCORTISONE - ORAL (flew-dro-KOR-tih-sown)
BRAND NAME(S): Florinef
Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: Fludrocortisone is used to treat low levels of corticosteroid hormones (e.g., Addison's disease).
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used for certain types of low blood pressure.
HOW TO USE: This medication must be taken exactly as directed. Do not increase your dose or take this more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without your doctor's permission. An increase in side effects can occur when the medication is suddenly stopped.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication is generally well tolerated. Notify your doctor if you develop any of the following while taking this medication: dizziness, swelling of the hands or feet, rapid weight gain, water retention, skin rash, unusual bruising, severe or continuous headaches, weakness, joint pain. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: thyroid disease, liver disease, herpes eye infection, glaucoma, mental or emotional problems, stomach or intestinal problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, brittle bones, myasthenia gravis, history of tuberculosis, seizures, blood clots. Ask your doctor about restricting salt intake. This drug should be used in pregnant or nursing women only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits of this therapy with your doctor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any nonprescription or prescription drugs you may be taking including: barbiturates, phenytoin, rifampin, estrogens, NSAIDs, diuretics, oral blood thinners, vaccines, aspirin, cyclosporine, pyridostigmine, neostigmine, drugs to treat diabetes, digoxin, other steroid medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Addison's Disease - Read about Addison's disease, a hormonal disorder with symptoms of weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and skin color changes. Causes, diagnosis, and treatment information is included in the material.
- Orthostatic Hypotension - Learn about orthostatic hypotension causes such as dehydration, blood loss, medications, diabetes, heart disorders and disease, and orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.
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