Fludrocortisone
About Fludrocortisone
Fludrocortisone is used to treat salt-losing diseases. Fludrocortisone is a human-made form of glucocorticoid, a natural substance made by the body. Corticosteroids are naturally found in our body, and intake of Fludrocortisone boosts our body with an extra corticosteroid to treat low glucocorticoid levels caused by the adrenal gland (Addison's disease). Addison's disease is a chronic disease that happens when the adrenal cortex is damaged and does not remain able to produce steroid hormones cortisol and aldosterone. Both of these hormones are responsible for managing stress, and regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body.
Fludrocortisone consists of 'Fludrocortisone', which comes into the category of glucocorticoids. It works by controlling the amount of sodium and fluids in the body. In Addison's disease, excessive amounts of sodium are lost in the urine, so Fludrocortisone works by reducing the sodium which is lost in the urine.
Take Fludrocortisone as prescribed by your doctor. You are suggested to take Fludrocortisone as long as your doctor has prescribed it after checking your medical condition. Most of the side effects of Fludrocortisone do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. Common side effects include stomach upset, menstrual changes, mood changes, weight gain, and oral thrush (prone to fungal infection). However, if the side effects are persistent and worsen, reach out to your doctor. It is not advisable to suddenly stop this medicine to avoid unpleasant side effects and sudden withdrawal symptoms.
Inform your doctor if you have any muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis), lung disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart problem, blood cancer, migraine (severe headache), epilepsy (fits), tuberculosis (TB), or depression. While taking Fludrocortisone, do not contact anyone who has shingles, chickenpox, or measles. If you accidentally come in contact with any person having them, please inform your doctor immediately as it requires special treatment if you have not had these illnesses. If you have had an accident, please tell your doctor, need to undergo a scheduled surgery, are ill, or need a vaccination (especially a live vaccination), as your doctor might discontinue Fludrocortisone in these conditions. Please consult your doctor before taking Fludrocortisone if you plan to get pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as Fludrocortisone is not recommended. usually, you do not take Fludrocortisone unless prescribed by the doctor.
Uses of Fludrocortisone
Medicinal Benefits
Fludrocortisone contains 'Fludrocortisone', usually prescribed as a short-term medication to treat and prevent salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome and Addison's Disease. Corticosteroids are naturally found in our body, and intake of Fludrocortisone boosts our body with an extra corticosteroid to replace the hormones that are normally produced by adrenal glands attached to the kidneys. Fludrocortisone acts by reducing the amount of sodium that is lost in the urine. In this way, it helps the body to perform functions like retaining enough salt to function well.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Fludrocortisone
- Stomach upset
- Mood changes
- Weight gain
- High blood pressure
- Oral thrush (prone to fungal infection)
- Thinning of skin
- Altered blood sugar level
Drug Warnings
A person who is already taking Fludrocortisone should avoid being near sick or have infections. Immediately consult with your doctor if you had come in contact with any person exposed to chickenpox or measles as this disease may be even life-threatening in persons taking Fludrocortisone. Do not take Fludrocortisone if you are allergic to any corticosteroids or any of the ingredients of Fludrocortisone. If you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding, it is recommended usually not to take Fludrocortisone unless prescribed by the doctor. Long term use of Fludrocortisone in children's should be avoided, leading to slow growth. Do not abruptly stop taking Fludrocortisone as you might feel a headache or problem with vision, fever, pain in muscles, which are withdrawal symptoms of Fludrocortisone. Intake of alcohol should be limited as it may lead to stomach ulcers when taken along with Fludrocortisone. Inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney disease, muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis), migraine (severe headache), depression, epilepsy (frequent fits), blood cancer, tuberculosis (TB), high blood pressure, or heart problem. If you have had an accident, need to undergo a scheduled surgery, need a vaccination (especially a live vaccination), tell this to doctor that you are taking Fludrocortisone as it needs to be stopped in all of the above conditions.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug interaction: This medicine may have an interaction with antibiotics (rifampicin, rifabutin, erythromycin, telithromycin, clarithromycin), anti-epilepsy medicines (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbitone, primidone), diuretics (amiloride, bumetanide, furosemide, spironolactone, triamterene), antacids (carbenoxolone), pain killer (aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen), used to treat asthma and other breathing problems (theophylline, bambuterol, fenoterol, formoterol, ritodrine, salbutamol, salmeterol, terbutaline), anti-HIV medicines (efavirenz, nevirapine, indinavir, saquinavir, ritonavir, cobicistat), used to treat fungal infections (amphotericin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole), anti-diabetic (metformin, chlorpropamide, tolbutamide, glipizide, glyburide), blood thinner (warfarin), oral contraceptives (containing estrogen and progestogen), anti-cancer medicines (aminoglutethimide, methotrexate), anti-glaucoma medicines (acetazolamide).
Drug-Food interaction: Fludrocortisone interacts with St. John's wort (an antidepressant herbal supplement) and alcohol.
Drug-Disease interaction: Fludrocortisone should not be used in people with blood cancer, muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis), kidney or liver problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma (increased eye pressure), an underactive thyroid gland, herpes eye infection, peptic ulcer, tuberculosis (TB), osteoporosis (thinning of bones), depression, epilepsy (fits), migraines.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol is not known to cause any unpleasant side effects if taken along with Fludrocortisone. But intake of alcohol with Fludrocortisone may damage your liver. So intake of Fludrocortisone should be avoided with Fludrocortisone.
Pregnancy
unsafeFludrocortisone is a category C pregnancy drug, using Fludrocortisone during pregnancy may adrenal gland problems in the baby. Please consult your doctor before taking Fludrocortisone if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
Breast Feeding
cautionFludrocortisone is known to pass through the breast milk. So, it is recommended not to be taken during breastfeeding. However, your doctor may prescribe it for you during breast-feeding if he/she feels that the benefit to you outweighs the risk. It would be best if you did not take Fludrocortisone without a doctor's advice.
Driving
cautionFludrocortisone can affect alertness and coordination. So, operating machinery which requires concentration should be avoided. Fludrocortisone does not make you sleepy, and so it's usually safe to drive a car. However, do not drive a car or operate machinery if your eyesight is affected.
Liver
cautionFludrocortisone to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionFludrocortisone to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
cautionChildren can take Fludrocortisone for a short term treatment under child specialist supervision. Long term use of Fludrocortisone in children's should be avoided as it may lead to slow growth. Consult your doctor for further advice.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet, and make sure you sleep at least 8 hours a day for a speedy recovery.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acid containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil.
- Try to fill half your food plate with fruits and veggies. Bananas and yoghurt taken with Fludrocortisone may help protect your gut lining.
- Opt for food and drinks high in Omega 3 fatty acid to get relief from pain, swelling, and inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acid-enriched foods include flaxseeds, walnut, soybean oil, salmon, and tuna fish if you prefer non-veg.
- Prefer more whole foods and grains instead of processed ones. Limiting starch may also help decrease inflammation.
- Avoid intake of processed foods, foods high in sugar and fat, as these may cause inflammation.
- Limit salt intake and prefer herbs or spices like garlic, ginger, and turmeric, a natural anti-inflammatory.
- Contact with any person who is having chickenpox, measles, tuberculosis should be avoided as it might cause you the same infection as Fludrocortisone makes your body prone to infections.
- Try to avoid alcohol as it can affect your stomach and intestine and limit the absorption of the important nutrients required by your body.
Special Advise
- A person with diabetes should have a test of glycated haemoglobin (HBA1C) to check your blood glucose level control, as Fludrocortisone increased the blood sugar level.
- Do not contact anyone who has shingles, chickenpox, or measles while taking Fludrocortisone. If you accidentally come in contact with any person having them, please inform your doctor immediately as it requires special treatment if you have not had these illnesses.
- Regular checkup from your doctor, As long term use of Fludrocortisone may make your bones brittle.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Addison’s disease: This is a lifelong health condition that happens when the adrenal cortex gets damaged. The adrenal glands fail to produce enough of the steroid hormones cortisol and aldosterone. Adrenal glands are present on the upper side of the kidneys, and help produce hormones required by the body for normal functioning. Cortisol is responsible for controlling the body’s reaction to stressful times, while Aldosterone helps regulate sodium and potassium. Persons dealing with Addison’s disease may face symptoms including muscle weakness, fatigue, tiredness, darkening in skin colour, weight loss or decreased appetite, a decrease in heart rate or blood pressure, low blood sugar levels, fainting spells, sores in the mouth, cravings for salt, nausea, and vomiting.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH): It is a group of autosomal recessive disorders in which there is a deficiency of an enzyme responsible for synthesizing cortisol, aldosterone or both.
FAQs
Fludrocortisone helps reduce inflammation in the body. It is used as a replacement treatment in people with Addison's disease or following surgical removal of adrenal glands. It helps control the amount of sodium and fluids in your body.
Fludrocortisone belongs to a class of medication called "corticosteroids" which reduces the amount of sodium that is lost in the urine. In this way, it helps the body to perform functions like retaining enough salt to function well.
Fludrocortisone may weaken the body's immune system, so it makes it easier to get an infection or worsening an infection you already have or recently had. Thus, tell your doctor if you have any illness or infection in the last few days.
A person who is already taking Fludrocortisone should avoid being near sick or have infections. Immediately consult with your doctor if you had come in contact with any person exposed to chickenpox or measles as this disease may be even life-threatening in persons taking Fludrocortisone.
If you miss a dose of Fludrocortisone, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it's almost time for the next dose, do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Do not abruptly stop taking Fludrocortisone as you might feel a headache or problem with vision, fever, pain in muscles, which are withdrawal symptoms of Fludrocortisone. Consult your doctor, and your dose be lowered gradually to avoid any withdrawal symptoms.
If you have diabetes, Fludrocortisone can increase your blood sugar level. If you are taking Fludrocortisone and have diabetes, please monitor your blood sugar level regularly. If you pass urine frequently, please consult your doctor, and your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
Fludrocortisone consists of Fludrocortisone, which comes into the category of glucocorticoids, a natural substance made by the body.
Yes, Fludrocortisone is a corticosteroid that helps regulate sodium and fluid balance in the body. It treats conditions like Addison's disease and sodium-losing syndromes by reducing sodium loss in urine and maintaining healthy fluid levels.
Fludrocortisone can be taken with or without food. Swallow it as a whole with ample water; do not chew or break the tablet/capsule.
Don't stop taking Fludrocortisone suddenly, as this may lead to adverse health issues. Consult your doctor before stopping or changing your dosage to avoid adverse events such as loss of appetite, upset stomach, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, headache, fever, joint and muscle pain, peeling skin, and weight loss. Your doctor may gradually decrease your dose to allow your body to adjust before stopping the drug completely, minimizing potential withdrawal symptoms. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice to ensure your safety.
Please note that Fludrocortisone's effectiveness can vary from person to person and condition to condition. While some individuals may experience improvements within 1-2 days, others may take longer. It's crucial to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Completing the entire treatment course is essential to achieve the best possible results. Adhering to your doctor's guidance will help ensure the most effective outcome. Remember, consistency and patience are key to maximizing Fludrocortisone's benefits.
Fludrocortisone is generally not recommended because it is a category C pregnancy drug; using Fludrocortisone during pregnancy may cause adrenal gland problems in the baby. Please consult your doctor before taking Fludrocortisone if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
Fludrocortisone can be taken with or without food, although it can be taken with a meal to reduce stomach upset. Always follow your doctor's instructions and take the medication regularly at the same time daily for optimal results. By doing so, you'll maximize the effectiveness of Fludrocortisone and enjoy the best possible outcomes.
Store Fludrocortisone at room temperature, in their original packaging, in a dry and cool location, and out of reach of children and pets.
The Fludrocortisone's common adverse effects include changed blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, oral thrush (prone to fungal infection), mood swings, stomach distress, skin thinning, and weight gain. However, these adverse effects may be minor and decrease over time. Inform your doctor if you are experiencing more discomfort to solve your problem.
Children can take Fludrocortisone for a short-term treatment under child specialist supervision. Long-term use of Fludrocortisone in children's should be avoided as it may lead to slow growth. Consult your doctor for further advice.
