Fludrocortisone tablets

July 17, 2018

Fludrocortisone tablets

What is this medicine?

FLUDROCORTISONE (floo droe KOR ti sone) is a corticosteroid. It is used to treat Addison's disease and to treat a salt losing condition called adrenogenital syndrome.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take it with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. If you are taking this medicine once a day, take it in the morning. Do not take more medicine than you are told to take. Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose may be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • changes in vision

  • mental depression, mood swings, mistaken feelings of self importance or of being mistreated

  • sudden weight gain

  • swelling of the feet or lower legs

  • unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • dizziness

  • headache

  • loss of appetite

  • nausea, vomiting

  • trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • mifepristone, RU-486

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • amphotericin B

  • aspirin and aspirin-like drugs

  • barbiturates like phenobarbital

  • digoxin

  • diuretics

  • female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills

  • male hormones

  • medicines for diabetes like insulin

  • medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin

  • phenytoin

  • rifampin

  • vaccines

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from excessive heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Cushing's syndrome

  • diabetes

  • heart problems or disease

  • high blood pressure

  • infection like herpes, measles, tuberculosis, or chickenpox

  • liver disease

  • myasthenia gravis

  • osteoporosis

  • stomach, ulcer or intestine disease including colitis and diverticulitis

  • thyroid problem

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to fludrocortisone, corticosteroids, other medicines, lactose, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you are taking this medicine over a prolonged period, carry an identification card with your name and address, the type and dose of your medicine, and your doctor's name and address.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Stay away from people who are sick. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are around anyone with measles or chickenpox.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you have taken this medicine within the last twelve months.

Ask your doctor or health care professional about your diet. You may need to lower the amount of salt you eat.

The medicine can increase your blood sugar. If you are a diabetic check with your doctor if you need help adjusting the dose of your diabetic medicine.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018