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Fludrocortisone

  • Fludrocortisone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids (more commonly called steroids).
  • Do not stop taking fludrocortisone suddenly. Fludrocortisone treatment must be taken each day and stopping suddenly will cause unpleasant withdrawal effects.
  • Your pharmacist will give you a blue steroid treatment card - carry this with you at all times.

About fludrocortisone

Type of medicineCorticosteroid
Used forReplacement therapy for hormone imbalance in Addison's disease and in congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Also calledFlorinef®
Available asTablets

Fludrocortisone is used to replace hormones which are missing in disorders of the adrenal glands such as Addison's disease and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (which is also known as salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome). Its action in the body is similar to the natural steroid hormone aldosterone.

Addison's disease is a condition in which you do not make enough cortisol and aldosterone in your adrenal glands. Treatment is with replacement hormone tablets (including fludrocortisone) which you need to take every day.

Fludrocortisone is also used to treat congenital adrenal hyperplasia in which there is insufficient production of the natural steroid hormone, aldosterone. Since fludrocortisone is similar to aldosterone, it can be used to treat this condition. Fludrocortisone replacement treatment is almost always lifelong.

Before taking fludrocortisone

Before taking fludrocortisone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have ever had tuberculosis (TB).
  • If you are currently unwell, or if you have, or anyone you are in close contact with has, chickenpox, shingles or measles.
  • If you have liver, kidney or heart problems.
  • If you have high blood pressure.
  • If you have recently had a heart attack.
  • If you have, or anyone in your family has, diabetes mellitus or glaucoma (raised pressure in the eye).
  • If you have osteoporosis (weakened bones).
  • If you have any problems with your eyes.
  • If you, or any of your close family, have ever had mental health problems.
  • If you have thyroid problems.
  • If you have epilepsy.
  • If you have had a stomach ulcer.
  • If you have ever experienced muscle problems after taking steroids.
  • If you have had any problems with blood clots in your legs or lungs.
  • If you have bowel problems such as diverticulitis or ulcerative colitis.
  • If you have myasthenia gravis (a muscle-weakening disorder).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take fludrocortisone

  • Before beginning your treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet and be careful to follow the printed instructions you have been given.
  • Take fludrocortisone exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Each dose of fludrocortisone should be taken with or just after food. If you are taking one dose each day, take it with or just after breakfast.
  • Try to take fludrocortisone at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you do forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless your next dose is due, in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you come into contact with anyone who has measles, shingles or chicken pox, or anyone who suspects they might have them, you must see your doctor as soon as possible.
  • Do not stop taking fludrocortisone suddenly. Fludrocortisone treatment must be taken each day and stopping suddenly will cause unwanted withdrawal effects such as fever, muscle and bone pain, and loss of weight.
  • You will be given a steroid treatment card. This is a blue card with details about your dose and duration of treatment. It also has some important information for you about taking steroids. Carry this card with you at all times.
  • Before having any kind of medical treatment or surgery, including dental or emergency treatment or any medical tests, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking fludrocortisone and show them your steroid treatment card. Your dose may need increasing during treatment.
  • While taking fludrocortisone do not have any vaccinations without speaking to your doctor first.
  • Keep any regular doctor's appointments so your progress can be monitored.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with fludrocortisone.

Can fludrocortisone cause problems

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
IndigestionEat little and often. Stick to simple foods
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller
Mood or behaviour changes such as nightmares, difficulty sleeping, irritability, and suicidal thoughtsIt is important that you speak to your doctor if you notice any worrying changes in your mood, or if you have disturbing thoughts about harming yourself
Swollen ankles, muscle weakness, tiredness, increased sweating, thin skin, changes in menstruation cycleIf troublesome, speak with your doctor

How to store fludrocortisone

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a refrigerator and keep the container tightly closed.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Florinef® Tablets, E. R. Squibb & Sons Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2008, accessed February 2010.
  • British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2010DocID: 618DocRef: dils2041Last Reviewed: 19 Apr 2010Version: 25
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