Fludrocortisone tablets
What do fludrocortisone tablets do?
FLUDROCORTISONE (Florinef(R)) causes the body to retain salt and water. Fludrocortisone replaces the natural steroids that are lacking in patients with underactive adrenal glands. Fludrocortisone also treats a salt-losing condition called adrenogenital syndrome.
What should my health care professional know before I take fludrocortisone?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• Cushing's syndrome
• diabetes mellitus
• heart problems, or previous heart attack
• high blood pressure or blood clotting disorder
• infection, such as herpes, measles, tuberculosis or chickenpox
• myasthenia gravis
• psychosis
• osteoporosis
• recent surgery
• seizures (convulsions)
• stomach or intestinal disease, including colitis
• kidney disease
• over- or underactive thyroid
• an unusual or allergic reaction to fludrocortisone, other corticosteroids, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take fludrocortisone tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. If you are only taking fludrocortisone once a day, take it in the morning, unless otherwise directed, which is the time your body normally secretes cortisol. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it a soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, consult your prescriber or health care professional. You may need to miss a dose or take a double dose, depending on your condition and treatment. Do not take double or extra doses without advice.
What other medicines can interact with fludrocortisone?
• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• certain heart medicines
• male hormones
• phenytoin
• rifampin
• water pills
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking fludrocortisone?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• headache, severe or continuing
• irregular heartbeat
• loss of appetite
• mental depression, mood swings
• muscle weakness, cramps or pain
• nausea, vomiting
• skin rash or itching
• sudden weight gain
• swelling of face, nasal passages, or eyelids
• swelling of the feet or legs
• unusual tiredness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• dizziness
• increased appetite
• restlessness
• trouble sleeping
• upset stomach