ThisiscontentfromElsevier'sDrugInformation
Fludrocortisone
Learn more about Elsevier's Drug Information today! Get the drug data and decision support you need, including TRUE Daily Updates™ including every day including weekends and holidays.
Usual dose: 0.1 mg PO once daily, as a supplement to hydrocortisone or cortisone. Dosage may range from 0.1 mg PO 3 times per week to 0.2 mg PO once daily. Reduce the dose to 0.05 mg PO once daily if transient hypertension due to therapy develops. Max usual maintenance dosage: 0.2 mg/day. Dosage depends on disease severity and patient response. Close monitoring is to detect the possible need for dosage adjustment such as remissions or exacerbations of the disease and stressors like surgery, infection, or trauma.[49507]
0.05 mg to 0.3 mg per day PO, given in 1 to 2 divided doses, as a supplement to hydrocortisone or cortisone. Usual maintenance range per guidelines: 0.05 mg to 0.2 mg per day.[54122] [54123]
0.05 to 0.3 mg/day PO, given in 1 to 2 divided doses, as a supplement to hydrocortisone or cortisone. Usual maintenance range per guidelines: 0.05 to 0.2 mg per day. During the neonatal period and infancy, all classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) patients should be treated with fludrocortisone in addition to hydrocortisone or cortisone. In those with salt-wasting CAH, the sodium content of breast milk or infant formulas is insufficient, and sodium chloride supplements [1 to 2 grams/day (17 to 34 mEq/day) in infancy] are necessary as well.[54122] [54123]
0.05 or 0.1 mg PO once daily, initially. Usual dose: 0.05 to 0.2 mg/day.[32679] [32680] [66385] [68047] [68048] [68049]
0.1 mg PO 3 times daily or 0.2 mg PO twice daily for up to 12 days.[58117] [68526] [68527] [68528]
Maintenance therapy usual max: 0.2 mg/day PO.
Maintenance therapy usual max: 0.2 mg/day PO.
Safety and efficacy have not been established, but doses of up to 0.3 mg/day PO have been used.
Safety and efficacy have not been established, but doses of up to 0.3 mg/day PO have been used.
Safety and efficacy have not been established, but doses of up to 0.3 mg/day PO have been used.
Safety and efficacy have not been established, but doses of up to 0.3 mg/day PO have been used.
Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments in hepatic impairment are not available; it appears that no dosage adjustments are needed.
Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments in renal impairment are not available; it appears that no dosage adjustments are needed.
† Off-label indication
Fludrocortisone is an oral synthetic adrenocortical steroid derived from the substitution of a 9alpha-fluoride on the B ring of hydrocortisone. Fluorination at this position gives rise to potent mineralocorticoid activity. Pharmacologic actions are similar to those of aldosterone, an endogenous mineralocorticoid. The sodium-retaining activity of fludrocortisone is extremely high compared with other adrenocorticoids such as hydrocortisone. Although fludrocortisone has significant glucocorticoid activity, it has no appreciable glucocorticoid effects at usual therapeutic doses. Fludrocortisone is used as mineralocorticoid replacement therapy in patients with adrenocortical insufficiency and salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome. Fludrocortisone was approved by the FDA in 1954.
For storage information, see the specific product information within the How Supplied section.
May be administered without regard to meals; however, administer with meals to minimize GI upset.
Fludrocortisone has potent mineralocorticoid properties and as a result, most adverse reactions are due to its mineralocorticoid activity. These adverse effects include fluid imbalance, electrolyte imbalance (particularly hypokalemia), edema, congestive heart failure, cardiomegaly, and hypertension. A fludrocortisone dosage adjustment is recommended if hypertension develops during fludrocortisone therapy in combination with a glucocorticoid for Addison's disease. Hypertension, weight gain, edema, hypokalemia, heart size increase, sinus tachycardia, and suppressed plasma renin activity are clinical signs of overdosage with mineralocorticoids. If the above signs are noted, discontinue fludrocortisone. The symptoms will usually subside within several days; use a reduced fludrocortisone dose for subsequent treatment. To help prevent overdosage, regularly monitor blood pressure and serum electrolytes. A hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis syndrome can also be associated with fludrocortisone therapy and includes nausea and vomiting, orthostatic hypotension, QT prolongation, ST-T wave changes, severe weakness of the extremities, anorexia, and muscle cramps and pain.[49507]
Corticosteroids, like fludrocortisone, have been reported to cause pseudotumor cerebri (increased intracranial pressure) causing papilledema, oculomotor or abducens nerve paralysis, loss of vision, and headache.
Glucocorticoid side effects of fludrocortisone may occur when the drug is used over a prolonged period of time or in conjunction with a glucocorticoid. Corticosteroid therapy, including fludrocortisone, can mask the symptoms of infection and should be avoided during an acute viral, fungal, or bacterial infection. Neutropenia including febrile neutropenia has been reported by recipients of corticosteroids. Immunosuppression is most likely to occur in patients receiving high-dose (e.g., equivalent to 1 mg/kg or more of prednisone daily), systemic corticosteroid therapy for any period of time, particularly in conjunction with corticosteroid sparing drugs (e.g., troleandomycin) and/or concomitant immunosuppressant agents; however, patients receiving moderate dosages of systemic corticosteroids for short periods or low dosages for prolonged periods also may be at risk. Corticosteroids can reactivate tuberculosis and should not be used in patients with a history of active tuberculosis except when chemoprophylaxis is instituted concomitantly. Patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids should be advised to avoid exposure to measles or varicella (chickenpox) and, if exposed to these diseases, to seek medical advice immediately. Monitoring systemic corticosteroid recipients for signs of an opportunistic fungal infection is recommended, as cases of oropharyngeal candidiasis have been reported. Development of Kaposi's sarcoma has also been associated with prolonged administration of corticosteroids. Discontinuation of the corticosteroid may result in clinical improvement.[43319]
Glucocorticoid side effects of fludrocortisone may occur when the drug is used over a prolonged period of time or in conjunction with a glucocorticoid. Ocular effects such as corneal perforation, exophthalmos, posterior subcapsular cataracts, retinopathy, or ocular hypertension, can result from prolonged use of glucocorticoids and could result in glaucoma or ocular nerve damage including optic neuritis. Temporary or permanent visual impairment, including blurred vision and blindness, has been reported with glucocorticoid administration by several routes of administration. Secondary fungal and viral infections of the eye (ocular infection) can be exacerbated by corticosteroid therapy.[49507]
Because of the high sodium-retaining activity of fludrocortisone, the drug should be used with extreme caution in patients with Addison's disease, cardiac disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hepatic disease, or renal disease. Therapy should be discontinued if significant weight gain, cardiac enlargement, blood pressure increase, or edema occurs. If fludrocortisone-induced edema develops, dietary sodium should be restricted because a high sodium intake can enhance sodium retention and potassium loss. Potassium supplements should be administered as necessary.
Corticosteroid therapy, like fludrocortisone, has been associated with left ventricular free-wall rupture in patients with recent myocardial infarction and should therefore be undertaken cautiously in these patients.
Corticosteroids, like fludrocortisone, are well known to cause cataracts during long-term administration. Patients receiving corticosteroids chronically should be periodically assessed for cataract formation.
As with other corticosteroids, the use of fludrocortisone may be of concern in patients with selected infection. The manufacturers state that fludrocortisone is contraindicated in patients with systemic fungal infection. Corticosteroids should not be administered to patients with systemic infections unless appropriate chemotherapy is administered simultaneously. For example, the use of fludrocortisone in patients with active tuberculosis should be restricted to those cases of fulminating or disseminated tuberculosis in which the corticosteroid is used for the management of the disease in conjunction with an appropriate antituberculous regimen. If corticosteroids are indicated in patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity, close observation is necessary, as reactivation of the disease may occur. During prolonged corticosteroid therapy, these patients should receive chemoprophylaxis. Consider immune globulin administration and other appropriate therapy if patients taking prolonged fludrocortisone therapy alone or in conjunction with another glucocorticoid are exposed to either chicken pox (varicella) or measles, as these diseases can have a more serious or even fatal course in patients on immunosuppressant corticosteroids.
At doses typically used for mineralocorticoid effects, fludrocortisone has no appreciable glucocorticoid activity. Glucocorticoid therapy is usually administered concomitantly with fludrocortisone therapy in treating adrenal insufficiency or salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome. Long term therapy or concomitant use with other glucocorticoids may, however, result in significant glucocorticoid effects. Cautions relating to the use of glucocorticoids should be observed in all patients receiving fludrocortisone either long term or in conjunction with another glucocorticoid. The usual precautions include patients with coagulopathy, Cushing's syndrome, diabetes mellitus, diverticulitis, emotional instability, GI disease, hepatic disease, herpes infection, hypothyroidism, infection, intestinal anastomosis (because of the possibility of perforation), myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis, psychosis, renal disease, seizure disorder, and ulcerative colitis.[29890]
Increased dosages of rapid-acting corticosteroids may be necessary for patients undergoing physiologic stress such as major surgery, acute infection, or blood loss. The corticosteroid, like fludrocortisone, should be administered before, during, and after the stressful situation.
Safety and effectiveness of fludrocortisone in infants or children have not been established, but the drug has been used off-label for certain pediatric patients (see Dosage). Children who receive prolonged therapy with fludrocortisone should be carefully observed. Corticosteroids can retard bone growth. Children receiving corticosteroids may also be immunosuppressed and thus, more susceptible to infection. Normally innocuous infections can become fatal in these children, so care should be taken to avoid exposure to these diseases.
Fludrocortisone is classified as FDA pregnancy risk category C.[49507] Studies involving use of fludrocortisone in pregnancy have not been done in humans. Complications, including cleft palate, still birth, and premature abortion, have been reported when corticosteroids were administered during pregnancy. Fludrocortisone acetate should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. If these drugs must be used during pregnancy, the potential risks should be discussed with the patient. The mother may require additional monitoring to ensure adequate replacement during pregnancy; insufficient treatment of Addison's disease during pregnancy is associated with fetal risks. The usual treatments for Addison's disease are usually continued throughout pregnancy and post-partum, and the mother may require dosage adjustments for proper replacement post-partum as requirements return to pre-pregnancy levels. Infants born to mothers who have taken substantial doses of corticosteroids during pregnancy should be monitored for signs of hypoadrenalism. In addition, maternal treatment with corticosteroids should be carefully documented in the infant's medical records to assist in follow-up.[49507]
Corticosteroids distribute into breast milk. Because of the risk of hypoadrenalism in the infant, or other potential adverse effects, fludrocortisone should be used cautiously during breast-feeding.[29890]
Although true corticosteroid hypersensitivity is rare, patients who have demonstrated a prior hypersensitivity reaction to fludrocortisone should not receive any form of fludrocortisone. It is possible, though also rare, that such patients will display cross-hypersensitivity to other corticosteroids. It is advisable that patients who have a hypersensitivity reaction to any corticosteroid undergo skin testing, which, although not a conclusive predictor, may help to determine if hypersensitivity to another corticosteroid exists. Such patients should be carefully monitored during and following the administration of any corticosteroid.[27616]
Fludrocortisone tablets may contain lactose; patients with lactase deficiency should take appropriate precautions with use.
Administration of live or live attenuated vaccines is contraindicated in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of steroids. Killed or inactivated vaccines may be administered, however, the response to such vaccines can not be predicted. Corticosteroid therapy like fludrocortisone usually does not contraindicate vaccination with live-virus vaccines when such therapy is of short-term (less than 2 weeks); low to moderate dose; or maintenance physiologic doses (replacement therapy). In general, patients with severe immunosuppression due to large doses of corticosteroids should not receive vaccination with live-virus vaccines. Patients vaccinated while on immunosuppressive therapy or in the 2 weeks prior to starting therapy should be considered unimmunized and should be revaccinated at least 3 months after discontinuation of therapy. In patients who have received high-dose, systemic corticosteroids for 2 weeks or longer, it is recommended to wait at least 3 months after discontinuation of therapy before administering a live-virus vaccine.[12498] [43236]
Use fludrocortisone cautiously in geriatric patients. At doses typically used for mineralocorticoid effects, fludrocortisone has no substantial glucocorticoid activity. However, precautions relating to the use of glucocorticoids should be observed in all patients receiving fludrocortisone either long-term or in conjunction with another glucocorticoid. Geriatric patients may commonly have conditions that may be exacerbated by fludrocortisone therapy such as hypertension, edema, hypokalemia, congestive heart failure, cataracts, glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, renal insufficiency, and osteoporosis. Geriatric patients may also commonly be taking concomitant drug therapy that may interact with fludrocortisone.[29890] According to the Beers Criteria, systemic corticosteroids are considered potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) for use in geriatric patients with delirium or at high risk for delirium and should be avoided in these patient populations due to the possibility of new-onset delirium or exacerbation of the current condition. The Beers expert panel recommends that fludrocortisone be prescribed in the lowest effective dose and for the shortest possible duration consistent with the needs of the patient.[63923]
Endogenous corticosteroids are secreted by the adrenal cortex; their effects are believed to be due to modification of enzymatic activity rather than to a direct hormone-induced action. Fludrocortisone mimics the actions of aldosterone, an endogenous mineralocorticoid. Mineralocorticoids facilitate sodium resorption and promote hydrogen ion and potassium excretion at the level of the distal renal tubule. Small oral doses produce marked sodium retention and increased urinary potassium excretion. Among 5 adults with orthostatic hypotension who took fludrocortisone 0.3—1 mg/day for 10—14 days, the change in sodium balance ranged from +149 mmol to +282 mmol, and the change in plasma volume ranged from 185 ml to 299 mL. The mean recumbent blood pressure increased from 110 +/-6 over 69 +/-3 mmHg to 124 +/-7 over 79 +/-2 mmHg. Although fludrocortisone receipt tended to decrease the signs and symptoms of severe orthostatic hypotension, only incomplete symptomatic relief was obtained in each patient.[32776] Larger doses can inhibit endogenous adrenal cortical secretion, thymic activity, and pituitary corticotropin excretion; promote the deposition of liver glycogen; and, if protein intake is inadequate, induce negative nitrogen balance.
Fludrocortisone receipt (0.2—1 mg/day) for at least a year led to recumbent and standing blood pressure increases in all 7 adults with severe orthostatic hypotension; 5 had idiopathic disease and 2 had orthostatic hypotension associated with diabetes. Average systolic blood pressure values were at least 20 mmHg higher and average diastolic blood pressure values were at least 10 mmHg higher as compared with values before fludrocortisone receipt. Hypertensive retinopathy developed in 2 patients; one of the 2 patients also had x-ray evidence of cardiomegaly and electrocardiographic changes consistent with left ventricular hypertrophy. Although plasma volume increased over the first 10 days of fludrocortisone receipt, the plasma volume decreased to control levels despite further blood pressure increases. Treatment did not affect plasma catecholamines concentrations and did not enhance pressor response to infused norepinephrine in 5 patients who had hyperreactive blood pressure responses to norepinephrine before fludrocortisone receipt. An enhanced pressor response to infused norepinephrine occurred in 2 patients who showed normal blood pressure responses to norepinephrine before fludrocortisone receipt. Hemodynamic data were obtained from 2 patients; hypertension in the recumbent position was related to increases in total peripheral vascular resistance - no appreciable change in either cardiac output or plasma volume was noted.[32776]
Revision Date: 03/28/2024, 01:48:00 AMFludrocortisone is administered orally. The circulating drug binds extensively to the plasma proteins albumin and transcortin, and only the unbound portion of a dose is active. Systemic fludrocortisone is quickly distributed into the kidneys, intestines, skin, liver, and muscle. Fludrocortisone distributes into breast milk and crosses the placenta. Fludrocortisone is metabolized by the liver to inactive metabolites. These inactive metabolites, as well as a small portion of unchanged drug, are excreted in the urine. The biological half-life of fludrocortisone is 18—36 hours.
Fludrocortisone is absorbed rapidly from the GI tract. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 1.5 hours.
Fludrocortisone is classified as FDA pregnancy risk category C.[49507] Studies involving use of fludrocortisone in pregnancy have not been done in humans. Complications, including cleft palate, still birth, and premature abortion, have been reported when corticosteroids were administered during pregnancy. Fludrocortisone acetate should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. If these drugs must be used during pregnancy, the potential risks should be discussed with the patient. The mother may require additional monitoring to ensure adequate replacement during pregnancy; insufficient treatment of Addison's disease during pregnancy is associated with fetal risks. The usual treatments for Addison's disease are usually continued throughout pregnancy and post-partum, and the mother may require dosage adjustments for proper replacement post-partum as requirements return to pre-pregnancy levels. Infants born to mothers who have taken substantial doses of corticosteroids during pregnancy should be monitored for signs of hypoadrenalism. In addition, maternal treatment with corticosteroids should be carefully documented in the infant's medical records to assist in follow-up.[49507]
Corticosteroids distribute into breast milk. Because of the risk of hypoadrenalism in the infant, or other potential adverse effects, fludrocortisone should be used cautiously during breast-feeding.[29890]
Cookies are used by this site. To decline or learn more, visit our cookie notice.
Copyright © 2024 Elsevier, its licensors, and contributors. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
