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Fludrocortisone Tablet

Rx

100 mcg • Tablet

Fludrocortisone Acetate • Renata PLC

Therapeutic class: Corticosteroid

Available as: 100 mcg

Indications & Uses

Fludrocortisone Acetate is taken by mouth as mineralocorticoid replacement therapy. Doctors use it in primary and secondary adrenocortical insufficiency in Addison's disease, in salt losing adrenogenital syndrome, and in postural hypotension.

Pharmacology

Fludrocortisone binds to the mineralocorticoid receptor, which is also called the aldosterone receptor. When fludrocortisone activates this receptor, it increases the transport of ions and water in the body. The result is a rise in extracellular fluid volume and blood pressure, and a fall in potassium levels.

Dosage Reference

Reference Information Only

Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.

Adults:

Primary and secondary adrenocortical insufficiency in Addison's disease: the usual dose of Fludrocortisone Acetate ranges from 0.2 mg 3 times weekly to 0.2 mg daily. If hypertension occurs, reduce the dose to 0.05 mg daily. It is given together with cortisone or hydrocortisone.

Salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome: 0.1 to 0.2 mg a day.

Postural hypotension: diabetic patients with postural hypotension get 0.1 to 0.4 mg daily. Patients whose postural hypotension is secondary to Levodopa therapy get 0.05 to 0.2 mg daily.

Side Effects

Most of the side effects of Aldocorts come from its mineralocorticoid activity, which makes the body hold on to sodium and water. They include erythema, purpura, vertigo, pancreatitis, increased intraocular pressure, muscular weakness, hypertension, edema, cardiac enlargement, congestive heart failure, steroid myopathy, peptic ulcer, osteoporosis, convulsions, menstrual irregularities, potassium loss, hypokalemic alkalosis, and allergic and anaphylactic reactions, among others. At the small doses that are recommended, side effects are not usually a problem. Still, these unwanted effects should be kept in mind, especially when Aldocorts is used for a long time or together with cortisone or a similar glucocorticoid.

Cautions & Contraindications

Warnings & Precautions

Fludrocortisone Acetate has a marked effect on sodium retention, so it isn't advised for any condition other than the ones it is indicated for. Take extra care when a patient has an infection such as tuberculosis, measles, chicken pox, herpes zoster or threadworm infestation. The same caution applies in congestive cardiac failure, hypertension, renal insufficiency, osteoporosis, drug-induced secondary adrenocortical insufficiency, peptic ulcer, intestinal anastomosis and ulcerative colitis. Fludrocortisone Acetate should be used with caution in all of these.

Contraindications

When Fludrocortisone Acetate is used for adrenal insufficiency, there are no absolute contraindications. The picture changes when it's given for non-endocrine diseases, because pharmacological doses are more likely to be used there, and the contraindications need to be considered carefully. Relative contraindications include systemic fungal infection, hypersensitivity to Fludrocortisone, diabetic mellitus, osteoporosis and acute infection.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Fludrocortisone is pregnancy category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, so doctors recommend it during pregnancy only when there is no alternative and the benefit outweighs the risk.

Lactation: No data exist on whether fludrocortisone passes into human milk. Systemic corticosteroids, though, are known to pass into breast milk, and they could cause growth suppression and/or other adverse effects in nursing infants. The manufacturer advises caution when Fludrocortisone is given to nursing women.

⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Overdose

An overdose of Fludrocortisone Acetate is unlikely, but if it happens, treatment is supportive and based on the symptoms.

⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Storage

Store Fludrocortisone Acetate below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.

Drug Interactions

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Moderate Cyclosporine

Moderate Amphotericin B

Moderate Ketoconazole

Common questions about Fludrocortisone Tablet 100 mcg

What is Fludrocortisone Tablet 100 mcg Tablet?

Fludrocortisone Tablet 100 mcg Tablet is a medicine that contains Fludrocortisone Acetate. It is made by Renata PLC. It belongs to the Corticosteroid group of medicines.

What is Fludrocortisone Tablet used for?

Fludrocortisone Acetate is taken by mouth as mineralocorticoid replacement therapy. Doctors use it in primary and secondary adrenocortical insufficiency in Addison's disease, in salt losing adrenogenital syndrome, and in postural hypotension.

What are the side effects of Fludrocortisone Tablet?

Most of the side effects of Aldocorts come from its mineralocorticoid activity, which makes the body hold on to sodium and water. They include erythema, purpura, vertigo, pancreatitis, increased intraocular pressure, muscular weakness, hypertension, edema, cardiac enlargement, congestive heart failure, steroid myopathy, peptic ulcer, osteoporosis, convulsions, menstrual irregularities, potassium loss, hypokalemic alkalosis, and allergic and anaphylactic reactions, among others.

Can I take Fludrocortisone Tablet during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Fludrocortisone is pregnancy category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, so doctors recommend it during pregnancy only when there is no alternative and the benefit outweighs the risk. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

What happens if I take too much Fludrocortisone Tablet?

An overdose of Fludrocortisone Acetate is unlikely, but if it happens, treatment is supportive and based on the symptoms. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

How should I store Fludrocortisone Tablet?