Brand Name: Florinef
Generic Name: fludrocortisone
Drug Class: Corticosteroids
What is fludrocortisone? What is fludrocortisone used for?
Fludrocortisone is a man-made oral corticosteroid. It is derived from hydrocortisone but is more potent than hydrocortisone. The effects of fludrocortisone including its effect on electrolyte balance and carbohydrate metabolism are stronger and prolonged in comparison to hydrocortisone.
Florinef (fludrocortisone) Acetate is indicated as partial replacement therapy for primary and secondary adrenocortical insufficiency in Addison's disease and the treatment of salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome.
Fludrocortisone mimics the actions of aldosterone which is a steroid that is naturally produced by the body. The physiological effects of fludrocortisone are dose-dependent. Small oral doses of fludrocortisone cause an increase in blood pressure, and sodium retention, and increases urinary potassium excretion. Larger doses of fludrocortisone inhibit the secretion of hormones from the adrenal gland. Fludrocortisone was initially approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1954. The first generic fludrocortisone tablet was approved by the FDA in March 2002.
Is fludrocortisone available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for fludrocortisone?
Yes
What are the side effects of fludrocortisone?
Reported side effects include:
- heart problems,
- fluid retention,
- high blood pressure,
- mood or psychiatric disorders,
- headache,
- trouble sleeping,
- skin problems,
- endocrine disorders,
- hyperglycemia,
- hypokalemia
- (low potassium),
- growth suppression,
- upset stomach,
- stomach ulcers,
- muscle weakness,
- osteoporosis,
- fractures,
- eye problems, and
- sweating.
Fludrocortisone may increase the risk of infections.
What is the dosage for fludrocortisone?
- Addison's disease: The usual recommended dose is 0.1 mg by mouth once daily without regard to food. The dose should be reduced to 0.05 mg daily if hypertension develops. The maintenance dosage range is 0.1 to 0.2 mg 3 times weekly. Fludrocortisone is preferably administered with cortisone (10 to 37.5 mg daily) or hydrocortisone (10 to 30 mg daily).
- Salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome: The recommended dose is 0.1 to 0.2 mg daily.

SLIDESHOW
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension): Symptoms, Signs, Causes See SlideshowWhich drugs or supplements interact with fludrocortisone?
: Antacids and bile acid sequestrants (for example, cholestyramine [Questran, Questran Light], colestipol [Colestid], and colesevelam [Welchol]) may decrease the absorption of oral corticosteroids.
Oral corticosteroids may decrease the effectiveness of diabetes medications.
Medications that may decrease blood levels of corticosteroids include barbiturates, isoniazid (Nydrazid, Laniazid, INH), mitotane (Lysodren), rifampin (Rifadin, Rifadin IV), aminoglutethimide (Cytadren), primidone (Mysoline), and others.
Medications that may increase blood levels of corticosteroids include aprepitant (Emend), strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, estrogen derivatives, mifepristone (Mifeprex), and others.
Corticosteroids may increase the risk of adverse effects associated with live vaccine administration.
Is fludrocortisone safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Although information specific to fludrocortisone is not available, corticosteroids are excreted in breast milk. Due to the risk of adverse effects on the infant, fludrocortisone should be used cautiously in nursing mothers.
What else should I know about fludrocortisone?
Tablets: 0.1 mg
How should I keep fludrocortisone stored?Tablets should be stored at room temperature between 2 C and 8 C (36 F and 46 F).
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Summary
Fludrocortisone acetate (Florinef) is a man-made oral corticosteroid prescribed as partial replacement therapy for primary and secondary adrenocortical insufficiency in Addison's disease. Florinef is also prescribed to treat salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, storage, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
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Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Low blood pressure, also referred to as hypotension, is blood pressure that is so low that it causes symptoms or signs due to the low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. Some of the symptoms of low blood pressure include light-headedness, dizziness, and fainting if not enough blood is getting to the brain. Diseases and medications can also cause low blood pressure. When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys; the organs do not function normally and may be permanently damaged.
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Orthostatic Hypotension
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Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) Causes
Low blood pressure (hypotension) occurs when blood pressure drops below the normal range. Low blood pressure can be temporary, or it can be a chronic (long-lasting) condition.
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