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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. Your doctor will ask you to reduce the dose slowly over several weeks. This is to avoid unpleasant withdrawal effects.
  • Your pharmacist will give you a blue steroid treatment card- carry this at all times.

About fludrocortisone

Type of medicine Corticosteroid
Used for Partial replacement therapy for primary and secondary adrenocortical insufficiency in Addisons disease
Treatment of salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome
Also called Florinef
Available as Tablets

Fludrocortisone is used as replacement therapy. Its action in the body is similar to the natural steroid hormone aldosterone. Fludrocortisone is also used to treat salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome in which there is abnormal production of natural steroid hormones and therefore decreased production of natural aldosterone. Since fludrocortisone is similar to aldosterone, it can be used to treat this condition. Steroid 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 tuberculosis (TB), or have a family history of this condition.
  • If you are suffering from any kind of infection including chicken pox, shingles or measles, or have been in contact with anyone who has them.
  • If you suffer from high blood pressure, epilepsy or heart problems, or have a family history of these conditions.
  • If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from thyroid problems.
  • If you suffer from diabetes mellitus or glaucoma or have a family history of these conditions.
  • If you suffer from osteoporosis or if you are a woman who has gone through the menopause.
  • If you suffer from psychosis or have a family history of mental health problems.
  • If you suffer from myasthenia gravis.
  • If you suffer from peptic ulcer disease, ulcerative colitis or any gastrointestinal disorder, or have a history of these conditions.

How to take fludrocortisone

  • Do not stop taking fludrocortisone without speaking to your doctor first.
  • Each dose of fludrocortisone should be taken with or just after food. If taking as a single dose take with or just after breakfast.

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, up to 3 months after stopping treatment of fludrocortisone, you must see your doctor within 3-10 days of contact (the sooner the better).
  • If you have been given a steroid treatment card, carry it with you at all times.

Can fludrocortisone cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. 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 medicine What can I do if I experience this
Swollen ankles, muscle weakness, tiredness, increased sweating, thin skin, mood changes, changes in menstruation cycle Contact your doctor
Indigestion, stomach discomfort, headache Ask your pharmacist for advice

How to store fludrocortisone

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

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.
© EMIS 2006 DocID:
618		 DocRef:
dils2041		 Last Updated:
30 Oct 2006		 Date of Next Review:
29 Oct 2008		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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