Fludrocortisone is used as a substitute for Cortisone, when the body does not produce enough of it. It is used to treat adrenal insufficiency associated with Addison's disease and the adreno-genital syndrome with salt loss.
What is Fludrocortisone?
Fludrocortisone is a corticosteroid that causes the kidneys to retain sodium.
How should Fludrocortisone be taken?
Fludrocortisone is administered orally. In the case of stomach problems it is better to be taken with food.
Side effects associated with Fludrocortisone
Fludrocortisone may reduce the ability to fight infections. It may also be associated with loss of calcium and potassium and lead to an increase of pressure because of fluid retention and sodium. Moreover, in a long-term use, presumably it can increase the risk of cataracts, glaucoma and eye infections.
Among the other possible adverse effects are included:
- Dizziness, feeling faint or having loss of consciousness
- Headache
- Increased appetite
- Increased sweating
- Indigestion
- Nervousness, anxiety
You should immediately contact a doctor if taking Fludrocortisone triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Rash
- Urticaria (Hives)
- Itchy skin
- Difficult breathing
- Chest tightness
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
- Dark stools
- Changes of the menstrual cycle
- Chest pain
- Eye pain
- Increased intraocular pressure
- Fever, chills, or sore throat
- Joint or skeletal pain
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Convulsions
- Severe or persistent headache
- Nausea or vomiting (severe or persistent)
- Stomach pain or swelling
- Swollen legs or feet
- Insomnia
- Weight changes
- Vision problems
- Vomiting a coffee-like substance
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Fludrocortisone
Fludrocortisone may affect the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery, especially if taken in combination with alcohol or other drugs. It should not be taken in case of systemic fungal infection or if you are planning a smallpox vaccination.
Moreover, before starting the treatment it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients and if any other allergies to medicines or food
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, particularly anabolic steroids, aprepitant, barbiturates, carbamazepine, estrogens, hydantoins, rifampicin, amphotericin B, azole antifungals, clarithromycin, digoxin, diuretics, steroid contraceptives, troleandromicina, methotrexate, ritodrine, vaccines, anticoagulants or aspirin
- You suffer (or have suffered) from hypothyroidism, liver or kidney problems, cardiovascular problems, bleeding disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation of the esophagus, gastrointestinal disorders, myasthenia gravis, psychological or psychiatric disorders, measles, chicken pox, ophthalmic herpes, fungal, bacterial or viral infections, parasitic infections or tuberculosis
- You had positive tuberculin skin test
- You had any recent bowel interventions
- You have a scheduled smallpox vaccination
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
The treatment should never be stopped suddenly because it can increase the risk of side effects. Finally, it is recommended to inform your physicians, surgeons or dentists about ongoing treatment with Fludrocortisone prior to any procedure.
