How Fludrocortisone works

Fludrocortisone belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids. It replaces the deficient natural hormone and relieves the signs and symptoms of Addison’s disease. It relieves the signs and symptoms of the adrenogenital syndrome by binding to aldosterone receptors in the body. This binding, in turn, causes retention of salt and water in the body, raises blood pressure and lowers potassium levels. Fludrocortisone reduces inflammation by switching off multiple inflammatory genes (encoding cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, inflammatory enzymes, receptors and proteins) that have been activated during the chronic inflammatory process.

Side Effects

Electrolyte imbalance, Redistribution/accumulation of body fat, Bone degradation, Increased risk of infection, Muscle disorders, Edema, Salt retention, Water retention, Increased blood pressure, Altered bone growth, Skin scar, Behavioural changes, Increased glucose level in blood, Cataract

Usage

Fludrocortisone is used in the treatment of Addison's disease and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is fludrocortisone a steroid?

Fludrocortisone is a corticosteroid. It is used to treat Addison's disease (inability of adrenal glands to produce adequate natural corticosteroid natural hormones), and salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome (a form of hormone imbalance resulting from abnormal steroid production by the adrenal glands and associated with loss of salt in the urine), and as an anti-inflammatory agent

Q. Is it used for blood thinning or in low blood pressure?

Fludrocortisone is not used for blood thinning or to lower blood pressure

Q. Does fludrocortisone cause weight gain/ weight loss/ hair loss/ adrenal suppression/ hypokalemia / rise in blood pressure or affect birth control?

Fludrocortisone can cause weight gain, rise in blood pressure, hypokalemia (reduced blood potassium level) and adrenal suppression in overdoses. It does not cause hair loss or affect birth control

Q. Does fludrocortisone affect cortisol level?

Yes, constant administration of fludrocortisone reduces endogenous cortisol levels

Q. Is fludrocortisone gluten free?

Yes. Fludrocortisone is gluten free. However, please refer to package insert of the prescribed brand before use

Q. Is fludrocortisone addictive?

Fludrocortisone does not seem to have habit forming potential. Patient's disease can however become dependent on fludrocortisone, in which case the signs and symptoms subside only in the presence of fludrocortisone, and return once the medicine is stopped. In such cases, usually medicines other than corticosteroids are used

Q. Is fludrocortisone safe?

Fludrocortisone is safe when taken at prescribed dose and duration as advised by your doctor

Q. Can I take ibuprofen with fludrocortisone?

Said combination is not advisable. Ibuprofen and fludrocortisone when taken together can increase the chances of bleeding from stomach ulcer, if present.