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Fludrocortisone

Generic name: fludrocortisone [ FLOO-droe-KOR-ti-sone ]
Brand name: Florinef Acetate
Dosage form: oral tablet (0.1 mg)
Drug class: Mineralocorticoids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 10, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is fludrocortisone?

Fludrocortisone is a steroid that helps reduce inflammation in the body.

Fludrocortisone is used to treat conditions in which the body does not produce enough of its own steroids, such as Addison's disease, and salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome.

Fludrocortisone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Fludrocortisone side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Fludrocortisone may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of fludrocortisone may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use fludrocortisone if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use fludrocortisone if you are allergic to it, or if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body.

Fludrocortisone can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection or worsening an infection you already have or have recently had. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Taking fludrocortisone during pregnancy may cause adrenal gland problems in the baby. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you haven taken fludrocortisone during pregnancy.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Fludrocortisone is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take fludrocortisone?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may need frequent medical tests. Even if you have no symptoms, tests can help your doctor determine if fludrocortisone is effective.

Your dose needs may change due to surgery, illness, stress, or a recent asthma attack. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using fludrocortisone.

You should not stop using fludrocortisone suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

In case of emergency, wear or carry medical identification to let others know you use steroid medication.

Fludrocortisone dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Addison's Disease:

0.1 mg orally per day
Maintenance dose: 0.1 mg orally 3 times a week to 0.2 mg orally per day

Comments:
-If transient hypertension occurs as a consequence of therapy, dose should be reduced to 0.05 mg per day
-Often given concomitantly with cortisone or hydrocortisone.

Use: For partial replacement therapy for primary and secondary adrenocortical insufficiency in Addison's disease

Usual Adult Dose for Adrenogenital Syndrome:

0.1 to 0.2 mg orally per day

Use: For the treatment of salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath, leg cramps, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, muscle weakness, severe headache, or pounding in your neck or ears.

What should I avoid while taking fludrocortisone?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using fludrocortisone.

Do not receive a smallpox vaccine while using fludrocortisone. Ask your doctor before receiving any other vaccines while you are taking fludrocortisone.

What other drugs will affect fludrocortisone?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect fludrocortisone, especially:

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect fludrocortisone. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

prednisone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, Medrol, Decadron, Medrol Dosepak, Florinef, Cortef

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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