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Florinef Side Effects

Generic name: fludrocortisone

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 22, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about fludrocortisone. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Florinef.

Applies to fludrocortisone: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of Florinef

Along with its needed effects, fludrocortisone (the active ingredient contained in Florinef) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking fludrocortisone:

Less common or rare

Other side effects of Florinef

Some side effects of fludrocortisone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common or rare

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to fludrocortisone: compounding powder, oral tablet.

General

Most adverse reactions are caused by this drug's mineralocorticoid activity including retention of sodium and water, hypertension, edema, cardiac enlargement, congestive heart failure, potassium loss, and hypokalemic alkalosis.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Frequency not reported: Hypertension, cardiac enlargement, congestive heart failure, thrombophlebitis, syncope, cardiomegaly, syncope[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Frequency not reported: Peptic ulcer, perforation, hemorrhage, pancreatitis, abdominal distention, ulcerative esophagitis, diarrhea[Ref]

Endocrine

Frequency not reported: Cushingoid state developed, growth suppression in children, secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness, carbohydrate tolerance decreased, manifestation of latent diabetes mellitus, insulin requirements increased, oral hypoglycemic agent requirements increased[Ref]

Metabolic

Frequency not reported: Hyperglycemia, negative nitrogen balance, potassium loss, hypokalemic alkalosis, sodium retention, fluid retention, appetite decreased[Ref]

Immunologic

Frequency not reported: Necrotizing angiitis, anaphylactoid reaction[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Frequency not reported: Muscle weakness, steroid myopathy, loss of muscle mass, osteoporosis, vertebral compression fractures, aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads, pathologic fracture of long bones, spontaneous fractures[Ref]

Ocular

Frequency not reported: Posterior subcapsular cataract, intraocular pressure increased, glaucoma, exophthalmos[Ref]

Psychiatric

Frequency not reported: Mental disturbance, insomnia[Ref]

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Impaired wound healing, thin fragile skin, bruising, petechiae, ecchymoses, facial erythema, sweating increased, subcutaneous fat atrophy, purpura, striae, skin hyperpigmentation, nail hyperpigmentation, hirsutism, acneiform eruption, hives, reaction to skin tests suppressed, allergic skin rash, maculopapular rash, urticaria[Ref]

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Menstrual irregularity, glycosuria[Ref]

Nervous system

Frequency not reported: Convulsion, intracranial pressure increased, papilledema, vertigo, headache, seizure, epilepsy[Ref]

Other

Frequency not reported: Edema, infection aggravated, masking of infection[Ref]

References

1. Product Information. Fludrocortisone Acetate (fludrocortisone). Global Pharmaceutical Corporation. 2018.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.