Fludrocortisone is a man-made type of a natural substance (glucocorticoid) made by the body. It is used along with other medications (e.g., hydrocortisone) to treat low glucocorticoid levels caused by disease of the adrenal gland (e.g., Addison's disease, adrenocortical insufficiency, salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome). Glucocorticoids are needed in many ways for the physical body to work well. They are essential for salt and water balance and keeping blood pressure normal. They are also required to break down carbohydrates in your diet.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug which are not listed in the approved labeling that is professional the medication but which could be recommended by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition which is listed in this section just if it has been so prescribed by the medical care professional.
This medication may also be used to treat a certain kind of low blood pressure (chronic postural hypotension).
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually as soon as daily or as directed by your doctor. Your doctor shall adjust your dose to the one that is best for you. The dosage is based on your condition that is medical and to therapy.
In order to have the benefit that is most from this medication, follow the dosing schedule carefully, and take this medication exactly as prescribed. Each day to help you remember, take it at the same time. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder if you are taking this medication on another schedule besides every day (e.g., only 3 days a week. Do not increase or decrease your dose, take this drug more often, or stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Inform your physician if your condition persists or worsens.
Stomach upset, hassle, and changes that are menstruale.g., delayed/irregular/absent periods) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Understand that your physician has recommended this medication she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects because he or. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your physician right away if some of these unlikely but serious adverse effects occur: change in epidermis appearance (e.g., color changes, thinning, fatty areas), effortless bleeding/bruising, dizziness, slow wound healing, indications of infection (age.g., fever, persistent sore throat, skin sores), bone/joint/muscle discomfort, stomach/abdominal pain, puffy face, swelling of the hands/feet, severe tiredness, increased thirst/urination, unusual weight gain, muscle weakness.
Tell your doctor right away if some of these rare but very side that is serious occur: black colored stools, attention dilemmas (age.g., pain, redness, vision changes), severe/continuous headaches, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, despair, mood swings), seizure, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
A really severe allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate attention that is medical you notice some of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), serious dizziness, trouble respiration.
This isn't a complete list of possible adverse effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Phone your doctor for medical advice about unwanted effects. You may report adverse effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Phone your medical professional for medical advice about side effects. You may report effects that are side Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before taking fludrocortisone, tell your medical professional or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which could cause allergy symptoms or other problems. Keep in touch with your pharmacist for more details.
This medicine shouldn't be used if you have certain conditions that are medical. Before making use of this medication, consult with your physician or pharmacist when you have: fungal infection in your blood (age.g., candidiasis, valley temperature).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding problems, blood clots, brittle bones (osteoporosis), diabetes, eye problems (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma, infection of the eye), heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure), high blood pressure, infections (e.g., herpes, tuberculosis), kidney disease, liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), mental/mood problems (e.g., anxiety, depression, psychosis), low blood minerals (age.g., calcium, potassium), stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., diverticulitis, peptic ulcer disease, ulcerative colitis), seizures, thyroid issues.
Fludrocortisone makes your body hold on to salt (salt) and dump other salts (age.g., calcium, potassium). Follow your doctor's advice on just how much salt, potassium, and calcium must be in your daily diet.
This medication may mask signs of infection or put you at greater threat of developing very serious infections. Report any injuries or signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat/fever/cough, pain while urinating, skin sores) that occur during treatment.
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with individuals who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.
Avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles illness while taking this medication until you have formerly had these infections (e.g., in childhood). If you are exposed to either of these infections and you have not previously had them, seek immediate medical attention.
Using corticosteroid medications for quite some time can make it more difficult for your human anatomy to react to physical stress. Therefore, before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past 12 months. Tell your doctor right away if you develop unusual/extreme tiredness or weight loss. If you will be using this medication for a long time, carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your use of this medication.
For those who have a history of ulcers or take big doses of aspirin or other joint disease medication, limit beverages that are alcoholic taking this medication to reduce the risk of stomach/intestinal bleeding.
It harder to control your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes, this drug may make. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and inform your doctor of the results. Your diabetic diet or medication may require become modified.
This medication may slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. Consult the doctor or pharmacist to get more details. See the doctor frequently so your child's growth and height may be examined.
Older people may become more sensitive to the effects of this drug, particularly water retention.
During pregnancy, this medicine should really be used just when obviously needed. Discuss the risks and advantages along with your doctor. Infants born to moms that have been utilizing this medicine for an time that is extended have low levels of corticosteroid hormone. Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.
This medication passes into breast milk and may also have effects that are undesirable a nursing infant. Consult your physician before breast-feeding.
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