Fludrocortisone

Introduction

Written by Amber Watson, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD
Updated on July 19, 2023

Fludrocortisone (floo droe KOR ti sone) is a generic medication prescribed for certain conditions affecting the adrenal glands. Fludrocortisone belongs to a group of drugs called corticosteroids.

Side effects of fludrocortisone

Fludrocortisone may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of fludrocortisone and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about fludrocortisone’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for fludrocortisone listed in the “Resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with fludrocortisone are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about fludrocortisone’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for fludrocortisone listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Fludrocortisone oral tablet’s mild side effects include:

• fluid buildup
• headache
• insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• vertigo (feeling as if you’re spinning or swaying)
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for fludrocortisone” section.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of fludrocortisone are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about fludrocortisone’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for fludrocortisone listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, fludrocortisone’s serious side effects include:

• low blood potassium level
• high blood pressure
• high blood sugar
• eye problems, such as glaucoma and cataracts
• convulsions (a kind of uncontrolled muscle spasm)
• mental health changes, such as mood changes and depression
• osteoporosis (decrease in bone density)
• bone fracture
• pancreatitis (swelling of your pancreas)
• ulcers (sores) in the upper small intestine or stomach
• Cushing syndrome (a condition that results from a high level of cortisol hormone)
• heart failure
• severe allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for fludrocortisone” section.

Uses of fludrocortisone

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as fludrocortisone for certain conditions. Approved uses for fludrocortisone are described below.

Use for certain conditions affecting the adrenal glands

Doctors may prescribe fludrocortisone oral tablet for certain conditions affecting the adrenal glands. These include Addison’s disease and an inherited condition called congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Fludrocortisone is used for these purposes in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.

With adrenal gland problems, your adrenal glands don’t make enough of certain hormones, such as aldosterone. These hormones help manage many functions in your body, including how your body maintains a usual level of sodium (salt) in your blood or responds to stress. Symptoms of an underactive adrenal gland can include vomiting, dehydration, muscle weakness, and cravings for salt.

Common questions about fludrocortisone

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about fludrocortisone.

Is fludrocortisone safe for older adults?

Yes, fludrocortisone is generally considered safe for adults ages 65 years and older. The drug’s manufacturer has not reported any safety issues for older adults. To learn more, you can refer to the prescribing information for fludrocortisone listed in the “Resources” section.

Keep in mind that older adults may have health conditions that are worsened by the side effects of fludrocortisone. Examples include high blood pressure and osteoporosis (decrease in bone density). Before taking fludrocortisone, be sure to tell your doctor about any health conditions you have. They can recommend whether the drug is a safe treatment option.

If you have questions about whether your age may affect the safety of fludrocortisone, talk with your doctor.

How does fludrocortisone work? And how long does it take to start working?

Fludrocortisone works by replacing aldosterone, which is a hormone made by your adrenal glands. Your adrenal glands may not produce enough of this hormone due to certain conditions, such as Addison’s disease or an inherited condition called congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Fludrocortisone starts working right after your first dose. But it may take several weeks for your aldosterone levels to reach their usual range after starting treatment. Your doctor will check your aldosterone levels with a blood test to help determine whether the drug is working.

If you’d like to know more about how fludrocortisone works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions and warnings for fludrocortisone

Below you’ll find information about fludrocortisone’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of fludrocortisone

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take fludrocortisone, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for fludrocortisone” section just below.

Warnings for fludrocortisone

Some people should not take fludrocortisone, and others should take it cautiously.

Fludrocortisone could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether fludrocortisone is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of fludrocortisone you take.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for fludrocortisone, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Fludrocortisone can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to fludrocortisone or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe fludrocortisone. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to fludrocortisone, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of fludrocortisone

You should not take more fludrocortisone than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much fludrocortisone, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and fludrocortisone

Information about fludrocortisone and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Fludrocortisone and pregnancy

It’s not known whether fludrocortisone should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Fludrocortisone and breastfeeding

There are risks to taking fludrocortisone while breastfeeding.For instance, fludrocortisone passes into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who’s breastfed.

If you’re planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether you should take fludrocortisone during this time. Your doctor may recommend other healthy ways to feed your child.

What to ask your doctor

Let your doctor know if you have questions about fludrocortisone or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Will fludrocortisone cure my condition?
• Should I take fludrocortisone with any other treatments for my condition?
• How do the side effects of fludrocortisone compare with the side effects of other corticosteroids?

Resources

• Fludrocortisone acetate tablets, USP. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/001e72ea-2c9e-468c-90cc-6c347234e2a9/spl-doc
• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.