Can you take Caltrate 600+D with Fludrocortisone?

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Abnormal Glucose Tolerance.

Corticosteroids can raise blood glucose level by antagonizing the action and suppressing the secretion of insulin, which results in inhibition of peripheral glucose uptake and increased gluconeogenesis. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus, glucose intolerance, or a predisposition to hyperglycemia. Patients with diabetes mellitus should be monitored more closely during corticosteroid therapy, and their antidiabetic regimen adjusted accordingly.

The calcium carbonate in Caltrate 600+D has a major potential interaction with Achlorhydria.

Calcium is absorbed from the intestinal tract by active transport and passive diffusion. Malabsorption syndromes (celiac disease, GI resection), deficiency of vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, or calcitonin, or an alkaline gastric pH (achlorhydria, carbonate or phosphate salts) can decrease the absorption of oral formulations of calcium. Calcium is available in oral and parenteral formulations.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Adrenal Tumor.

Corticosteroids mimic the effects of endogenous cortisol and aldosterone. Use of these agents may aggravate conditions of hyperadrenocorticalism in a dose-dependent manner.

The calcium carbonate in Caltrate 600+D has a major potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Calcium is involved in cardiac muscle contraction and electrical impulse conduction. Therapy with calcium salt formulations (particularly IV) should be administered cautiously to patients with cardiac disease. Patients receiving cardiac glycosides and concomitant IV calcium may experience arrhythmias. Therapy with IV calcium should be administered slowly and at reduced dosages in patients with cardiac disease.

The ergocalciferol in Caltrate 600+D has a moderate potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Vitamin D analogs function to increase serum calcium concentrations and can exacerbate arrhythmias, particularly in patients receiving cardiac glycosides. Therapy with vitamin D analogs should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to cardiac arrhythmias. Clinical monitoring of serum electrolyte concentrations and cardiac function is recommended.

The ergocalciferol in Caltrate 600+D has a moderate potential interaction with Biliary Obstruction.

Vitamin D analogs are fat soluble and oral formulations require bile for adequate intestinal absorption. Hepatic and/or biliary dysfunction decrease the absorption of vitamin D analogs. Metabolites of vitamin D analogs are primarily excreted in bile and feces. Ergocalciferol, cholecalciferol, and dihydrotachysterol undergo hepatic hydroxylation during metabolic activation. Hepatic impairment can alter the metabolic and therapeutic activity of certain vitamin D analogs. Alternative vitamin D analogs such as calcitriol (active form) may be considered in patients with compromised hepatic function.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Cataract.

Prolonged use of corticosteroids may cause posterior subcapsular cataracts and elevated intraocular pressure, the latter of which may lead to glaucoma and/or damage to the optic nerves. Long-term therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of cataracts, glaucoma, or increased intraocular pressure.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Cirrhosis.

Corticosteroids may have enhanced effects on patients with cirrhosis due to decreased metabolism of these agents. Patients with cirrhosis should be monitored more closely for excessive cortisol effects. Dosage adjustments may be required in these patients.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Depression.

Corticosteroids may aggravate the symptoms of psychosis and emotional instability. Patients with these conditions should be monitored for increased or worsened symptoms during corticosteroid therapy.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Corticosteroids can raise blood glucose level by antagonizing the action and suppressing the secretion of insulin, which results in inhibition of peripheral glucose uptake and increased gluconeogenesis. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus, glucose intolerance, or a predisposition to hyperglycemia. Patients with diabetes mellitus should be monitored more closely during corticosteroid therapy, and their antidiabetic regimen adjusted accordingly.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Diverticulitis.

Corticosteroids may cause gastrointestinal perforation and hemorrhage, usually when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. They may also mask symptoms of complications such as peritonitis or intraabdominal sepsis. Therapy with corticosteroids should be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with diverticulitis, nonspecific ulcerative colitis (if there is a probability of impending perforation, abscess, or other pyogenic infection), or recent intestinal anastomoses.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Electrolyte Abnormalities.

Corticosteroids can cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, and fluid retention. These mineralocorticoid effects are most significant with fludrocortisone, followed by hydrocortisone and cortisone, then by prednisone and prednisolone. The remaining corticosteroids, betamethasone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and triamcinolone, have little mineralocorticoid activities. However, large doses of any corticosteroid can demonstrate these effects, particularly if given for longer than brief periods. All corticosteroids also increase excretion of calcium and can cause hypocalcemia. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting electrolyte disturbances. Caution is also advised when treating patients with seizure disorders, since electrolyte disturbances may trigger seizure activity.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Fluid Retention.

Corticosteroids may cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, fluid retention, and elevation in blood pressure. Large doses of any corticosteroid can demonstrate these effects, particularly if given for longer periods. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting fluid retention, hypertension, congestive heart failure, and/or renal dysfunction. Dietary sodium restriction and potassium supplementation may be advisable.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

Prolonged use of corticosteroids may cause posterior subcapsular cataracts and elevated intraocular pressure, the latter of which may lead to glaucoma and/or damage to the optic nerves. Long-term therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of cataracts, glaucoma, or increased intraocular pressure.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Attack.

The use of corticosteroids may be associated with left ventricular free-wall rupture in patients who have had a recent myocardial infarction. Pharmacologic dosages of corticosteroids should be administered with great caution in such patients.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Corticosteroids may cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, fluid retention, and elevation in blood pressure. Large doses of any corticosteroid can demonstrate these effects, particularly if given for longer periods. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting fluid retention, hypertension, congestive heart failure, and/or renal dysfunction. Dietary sodium restriction and potassium supplementation may be advisable.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Herpetic Keratitis.

Pharmacologic dosages of corticosteroids should be used cautiously in patients with ocular herpes simplex because of the risk of corneal perforation. Corticosteroids are not recommended for patients with active ocular herpes simplex.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

Corticosteroids may cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, fluid retention, and elevation in blood pressure. Large doses of any corticosteroid can demonstrate these effects, particularly if given for longer periods. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting fluid retention, hypertension, congestive heart failure, and/or renal dysfunction. Dietary sodium restriction and potassium supplementation may be advisable.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with High Cholesterol.

Corticosteroids may elevate serum triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels if used for longer than brief periods. Patients with preexisting hyperlipidemia may require closer monitoring during prolonged corticosteroid therapy, and adjustments made accordingly in their lipid-lowering regimen.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with History, Peptic Ulcer.

Corticosteroids may cause peptic ulcer disease and gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage, usually when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. However, even conventional dosages may aggravate symptoms in patients with a history of peptic ulcers. Delayed healing of ulcers has also been reported. Therapy with corticosteroids should be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with active or latent peptic ulcers or other risk factors for GI bleeding. Some clinicians recommend the use of prophylactic antacids or H2-antagonists between meals when large doses of corticosteroids are necessary.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with History, Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder.

Corticosteroids may increase blood coagulability and have rarely been associated with the development of intravascular thrombosis, thromboembolism, and thrombophlebitis. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients who have or may be predisposed to thrombotic or thromboembolic disorders.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with History, Tuberculosis.

In patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity, the use of pharmacologic dosages of corticosteroids may cause a reactivation of the disease. Close monitoring for signs and symptoms of tuberculosis is recommended if corticosteroid therapy is administered to patients with a history of tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity. During prolonged corticosteroid therapy, tuberculosis chemoprophylaxis may be considered.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperadrenocorticism.

Corticosteroids mimic the effects of endogenous cortisol and aldosterone. Use of these agents may aggravate conditions of hyperadrenocorticalism in a dose-dependent manner.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperaldosteronism.

Corticosteroids mimic the effects of endogenous cortisol and aldosterone. Use of these agents may aggravate conditions of hyperadrenocorticalism in a dose-dependent manner.

The ergocalciferol in Caltrate 600+D has a major potential interaction with Hypercalcemia.

Vitamin D analogs such as calciferol and ergocalciferol should not be given to patients with hypercalcemia, malabsorption syndrome, or evidence of vitamin D toxicity.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Hypernatremia.

Corticosteroids can cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, and fluid retention. These mineralocorticoid effects are most significant with fludrocortisone, followed by hydrocortisone and cortisone, then by prednisone and prednisolone. The remaining corticosteroids, betamethasone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and triamcinolone, have little mineralocorticoid activities. However, large doses of any corticosteroid can demonstrate these effects, particularly if given for longer than brief periods. All corticosteroids also increase excretion of calcium and can cause hypocalcemia. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting electrolyte disturbances. Caution is also advised when treating patients with seizure disorders, since electrolyte disturbances may trigger seizure activity.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Hypocalcemia.

Corticosteroids can cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, and fluid retention. These mineralocorticoid effects are most significant with fludrocortisone, followed by hydrocortisone and cortisone, then by prednisone and prednisolone. The remaining corticosteroids, betamethasone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and triamcinolone, have little mineralocorticoid activities. However, large doses of any corticosteroid can demonstrate these effects, particularly if given for longer than brief periods. All corticosteroids also increase excretion of calcium and can cause hypocalcemia. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting electrolyte disturbances. Caution is also advised when treating patients with seizure disorders, since electrolyte disturbances may trigger seizure activity.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Hypokalemia.

Corticosteroids can cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, and fluid retention. These mineralocorticoid effects are most significant with fludrocortisone, followed by hydrocortisone and cortisone, then by prednisone and prednisolone. The remaining corticosteroids, betamethasone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and triamcinolone, have little mineralocorticoid activities. However, large doses of any corticosteroid can demonstrate these effects, particularly if given for longer than brief periods. All corticosteroids also increase excretion of calcium and can cause hypocalcemia. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting electrolyte disturbances. Caution is also advised when treating patients with seizure disorders, since electrolyte disturbances may trigger seizure activity.

Fludrocortisone has a major potential interaction with Infection.

The immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory effects of corticosteroids, particularly at higher dosages, may reduce resistance to infectious agents, increase the risk of disseminated infections, mask symptoms of infection, and reactivate or exacerbate latent/resolved infections; fatal cases have been reported. Avoid use of corticosteroids in patients with cerebral malaria. Screen patients for active (or history of) infection with tuberculosis, hepatitis, varicella, measles, and amebiasis, especially prior to prolonged treatment. Closely monitor for reactivation of latent infections; chemoprophylaxis may be required. In general, corticosteroids should not be used in patients with active infections, especially systemic fungal infections, unless medically necessary to control drug reactions. However, for corticosteroid-dependent patients who develop a severe or life-threatening infection, continuation of corticosteroid therapy with at least physiologic replacement dosages should be considered, since these patients may have secondary adrenocortical insufficiency. Removal of external steroid during periods of stress may be detrimental to these patients.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Intestinal Anastomoses.

Corticosteroids may cause gastrointestinal perforation and hemorrhage, usually when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. They may also mask symptoms of complications such as peritonitis or intraabdominal sepsis. Therapy with corticosteroids should be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with diverticulitis, nonspecific ulcerative colitis (if there is a probability of impending perforation, abscess, or other pyogenic infection), or recent intestinal anastomoses.

The ergocalciferol in Caltrate 600+D has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Vitamin D analogs are fat soluble and oral formulations require bile for adequate intestinal absorption. Hepatic and/or biliary dysfunction decrease the absorption of vitamin D analogs. Metabolites of vitamin D analogs are primarily excreted in bile and feces. Ergocalciferol, cholecalciferol, and dihydrotachysterol undergo hepatic hydroxylation during metabolic activation. Hepatic impairment can alter the metabolic and therapeutic activity of certain vitamin D analogs. Alternative vitamin D analogs such as calcitriol (active form) may be considered in patients with compromised hepatic function.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Corticosteroids are primarily metabolized by the liver and may have enhanced effects in patients with liver disease. Dosage adjustments may be necessary in these patients.

The calcium carbonate in Caltrate 600+D has a major potential interaction with Malabsorption Syndrome.

Calcium is absorbed from the intestinal tract by active transport and passive diffusion. Malabsorption syndromes (celiac disease, GI resection), deficiency of vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, or calcitonin, or an alkaline gastric pH (achlorhydria, carbonate or phosphate salts) can decrease the absorption of oral formulations of calcium. Calcium is available in oral and parenteral formulations.

The ergocalciferol in Caltrate 600+D has a major potential interaction with Malabsorption Syndrome.

Vitamin D analogs such as calciferol and ergocalciferol should not be given to patients with hypercalcemia, malabsorption syndrome, or evidence of vitamin D toxicity.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Myasthenia Gravis.

Although corticosteroids are commonly used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis to increase muscle strength, these agents should nevertheless be administered with caution in such setting. Patients should be treated in an intensive care unit and receive respiratory support, since muscle strength may markedly decrease initially, particularly with high dosages. Preferably, therapy should begin with relatively low dosages (15 to 25 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent) and be increased stepwise as tolerated (approximately 5 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent at 2- to 3-day intervals until marked clinical improvement or a dosage of 50 mg/day is reached). Improvement may be delayed and gradual. Thus, it is important not to discontinue therapy prematurely.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Myoneural Disorder.

Toxic myopathy has been observed with the chronic use or the administration of large doses of corticosteroids, often in patients with disorders of neuromuscular transmission such as myasthenia gravis or in patients receiving neuromuscular blocking agents. Fluorinated corticosteroids such as betamethasone, dexamethasone, and triamcinolone appear to cause more severe muscle atrophy and weakness than the nonfluorinated agents. Moreover, multiple-daily doses are more toxic than once-daily or, preferably, alternate-day morning doses. Steroid myopathy is generalized and sometimes accompanied by respiratory weakness and dyspnea. In some cases, it has resulted in quadriparesis. Elevations of creatine kinase (CK) may also occur, albeit infrequently. After withdrawal of corticosteroid therapy, recovery may be slow and incomplete. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting myopathy or myoneural disorders since these conditions may confound the diagnosis of steroid-induced myopathy. The presence of a normal serum CK level, minimal/no changes of myopathy on electromyography, and type 2 muscle fiber atrophy on biopsy are helpful in suggesting steroid-induced weakness. If steroid myopathy is suspected, a dosage reduction or discontinuation of the steroid should be considered.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Myopathy.

Toxic myopathy has been observed with the chronic use or the administration of large doses of corticosteroids, often in patients with disorders of neuromuscular transmission such as myasthenia gravis or in patients receiving neuromuscular blocking agents. Fluorinated corticosteroids such as betamethasone, dexamethasone, and triamcinolone appear to cause more severe muscle atrophy and weakness than the nonfluorinated agents. Moreover, multiple-daily doses are more toxic than once-daily or, preferably, alternate-day morning doses. Steroid myopathy is generalized and sometimes accompanied by respiratory weakness and dyspnea. In some cases, it has resulted in quadriparesis. Elevations of creatine kinase (CK) may also occur, albeit infrequently. After withdrawal of corticosteroid therapy, recovery may be slow and incomplete. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting myopathy or myoneural disorders since these conditions may confound the diagnosis of steroid-induced myopathy. The presence of a normal serum CK level, minimal/no changes of myopathy on electromyography, and type 2 muscle fiber atrophy on biopsy are helpful in suggesting steroid-induced weakness. If steroid myopathy is suspected, a dosage reduction or discontinuation of the steroid should be considered.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Osteoporosis.

Corticosteroids reduce osteoblastic function and inhibit the absorption of intestinal calcium, which can result in bone resorption and bone loss during prolonged therapy. In addition, bone matrix may be affected by the protein-catabolic effects of corticosteroids, especially when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods, leading to aseptic necrosis and fractures. Long-term or high-dose corticosteroid therapy should be administered cautiously and only if necessary in patients with or at risk for osteoporosis. Adverse skeletal effects may be minimized by alternate-day or intermittent administration. Any patient receiving prolonged therapy with the equivalent of 7.5 mg prednisone/day or more are at risk for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and should be managed according to The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guidelines.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Peptic Ulcer.

Corticosteroids may cause peptic ulcer disease and gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage, usually when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. However, even conventional dosages may aggravate symptoms in patients with a history of peptic ulcers. Delayed healing of ulcers has also been reported. Therapy with corticosteroids should be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with active or latent peptic ulcers or other risk factors for GI bleeding. Some clinicians recommend the use of prophylactic antacids or H2-antagonists between meals when large doses of corticosteroids are necessary.

The calcium carbonate in Caltrate 600+D has a major potential interaction with Phosphate Imbalance.

Elevated serum concentrations of calcium and phosphate can exceed the solubility level and result in calcium- phosphate precipitates that deposit in vascular and renal systems as well as other soft tissues of the body. Therapy with calcium should be administered with extreme caution in patients with hyperphosphatemia (hypoparathyroidism or severe renal impairment). Administration of oral calcium acetate or calcium carbonate, in addition to providing calcium, complexes phosphates within the GI tract. These complexes are eliminated in the feces. Clinical monitoring of serum calcium and phosphate concentrations is necessary.

The ergocalciferol in Caltrate 600+D has a moderate potential interaction with Phosphate Imbalance.

Vitamin D analogs administered in the presence of hyperphosphatemia can result in precipitation of calcium-phosphate deposits within the vascular or renal systems or other soft tissue calcifications. A solubility product (Serum Calcium X Phosphate) should not exceed 70. Serum electrolyte concentrations should be corrected prior to vitamin D analog therapy and monitored during therapy.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Post MI Syndrome.

The use of corticosteroids may be associated with left ventricular free-wall rupture in patients who have had a recent myocardial infarction. Pharmacologic dosages of corticosteroids should be administered with great caution in such patients.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Psychosis.

Corticosteroids may aggravate the symptoms of psychosis and emotional instability. Patients with these conditions should be monitored for increased or worsened symptoms during corticosteroid therapy.

The calcium carbonate in Caltrate 600+D has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Absorption of oral calcium formulations may be altered and elimination of calcium by the kidney decreased with renal impairment. Hyperphosphatemia occurs during renal failure. Calcium acetate or calcium carbonate, in addition to providing calcium, complexes phosphates within the GI tract. Calcium carbonate can partially correct metabolic acidosis associated with chronic renal failure. Clinical monitoring of renal function and serum calcium and phosphate concentrations is necessary.

The ergocalciferol in Caltrate 600+D has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol undergo renal biotransformation during metabolic activation. Renal impairment can alter metabolic and therapeutic activity of certain vitamin D analogs. Alternative vitamin D analogs such as dihydrotachysterol (hepatic activation) and calcitriol (active form) may be considered in patients with compromised renal function.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Corticosteroids may cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, fluid retention, and elevation in blood pressure. Large doses of any corticosteroid can demonstrate these effects, particularly if given for longer periods. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting fluid retention, hypertension, congestive heart failure, and/or renal dysfunction. Dietary sodium restriction and potassium supplementation may be advisable.

The calcium carbonate in Caltrate 600+D has a major potential interaction with Sarcoidosis.

Hypercalciuria, with or without hypercalcemia, may occasionally occur in patients with sarcoidosis. Elevated calcium levels may result from increased intestinal absorption of calcium, which is related to the extrarenal production of vitamin D by mononuclear phagocytes present within the sarcoid granuloma. Therapy with calcium salts should be administered cautiously and only if necessary in patients with sarcoidosis.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.

Corticosteroids can cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, and fluid retention. These mineralocorticoid effects are most significant with fludrocortisone, followed by hydrocortisone and cortisone, then by prednisone and prednisolone. The remaining corticosteroids, betamethasone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and triamcinolone, have little mineralocorticoid activities. However, large doses of any corticosteroid can demonstrate these effects, particularly if given for longer than brief periods. All corticosteroids also increase excretion of calcium and can cause hypocalcemia. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting electrolyte disturbances. Caution is also advised when treating patients with seizure disorders, since electrolyte disturbances may trigger seizure activity.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Strongyloidiasis.

Unlike most helminths, Strongyloides stercoralis has the ability to replicate in the human host. In patients with strongyloidiasis, the use of pharmacologic or immunosuppressive dosages of corticosteroids may result in Strongyloides hyperinfection and dissemination with widespread larval migration, often accompanied by severe enterocolitis and potentially fatal gram-negative septicemia. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered with extreme caution, if at all, in these patients. For patients on corticosteroids who develop known or suspected Strongyloides infestation, withdrawal of corticosteroids or reduction of the dose of corticosteroids is recommended.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Systemic Sclerosis.

In patients with scleroderma, corticosteroids may precipitate renal crisis with malignant hypertension, possibly via steroid-induced increases in renin substrate and angiotensin II levels and decreases in vasodilator prostaglandin production. Renal failure may ensue. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with scleroderma. In addition, they should be limited to short-term use.

The ergocalciferol in Caltrate 600+D has a major potential interaction with Tachyarrhythmia.

The amine ergot alkaloids, ergonovine and methylergonovine, can cause serious cardiovascular complications because of their vasospastic effects. Hypertension (more often with ergonovine) has been most commonly reported, particularly when administered IV undiluted or at an excessive rate or when used in conjunction with regional anesthesia or vasoconstrictors. Headaches, seizures, cerebrovascular accidents and death have been associated with the hypertensive episodes. Other, less common adverse effects include acute myocardial infarction, transient chest pains, thrombophlebitis, tachycardia and palpitations. Therapy with ergot alkaloids should generally be avoided, except under special circumstances, in patients with chronic hypertension, preeclampsia or eclampsia, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, or peripheral vascular disease. Caution is advised when these agents are administered to patients with venoatrial shunts, mitral valve stenosis, or sepsis. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status is highly recommended during therapy.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder.

Corticosteroids may increase blood coagulability and have rarely been associated with the development of intravascular thrombosis, thromboembolism, and thrombophlebitis. Therapy with corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients who have or may be predisposed to thrombotic or thromboembolic disorders.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Tuberculosis, Latent.

In patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity, the use of pharmacologic dosages of corticosteroids may cause a reactivation of the disease. Close monitoring for signs and symptoms of tuberculosis is recommended if corticosteroid therapy is administered to patients with a history of tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity. During prolonged corticosteroid therapy, tuberculosis chemoprophylaxis may be considered.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Ulcerative Colitis.

Corticosteroids may cause gastrointestinal perforation and hemorrhage, usually when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. They may also mask symptoms of complications such as peritonitis or intraabdominal sepsis. Therapy with corticosteroids should be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with diverticulitis, nonspecific ulcerative colitis (if there is a probability of impending perforation, abscess, or other pyogenic infection), or recent intestinal anastomoses.

Fludrocortisone has a moderate potential interaction with Underactive Thyroid.

Corticosteroids may have enhanced effects in hypothyroidism due to decreased metabolism of these agents. Patients with hypothyroidism should be monitored more closely for excessive cortisol effects. Dosage adjustments may be required secondary to changes in their thyroid condition.