Fludrocortisone
Fludrocortisone is a mineralocorticoid tablet used in adrenal insufficiency, where the body does not make enough aldosterone. The shop lists Florinef 100mcg tablets.
A hormone the body is short of
Fludrocortisone is a synthetic steroid that stands in for aldosterone, the hormone the adrenal glands release to keep sodium and water in the body and blood pressure steady. In adrenal insufficiency, including Addison's disease, the glands do not make enough of their hormones, and aldosterone is one of the ones missing. Fludrocortisone covers that side of the replacement. The condition itself brings fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss and belly pain. It has little of the inflammation-calming strength of steroids such as prednisolone; the job here is salt and water balance.
That work happens in the kidneys. Sodium and water are taken back into the bloodstream instead of leaving in the urine, and potassium is passed out. Blood volume firms up and pressure stops sliding. Fludrocortisone is also used on its own for orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure that drops on standing), where the usual complaint is light-headedness or a spinning feeling on getting up.
Taking the tablets
Swallow each tablet with water, once a day and at a steady time. Doses are measured in micrograms, and the tablet strength here is 100mcg. Because the medicine shifts sodium and potassium, the dose is settled with blood tests and blood pressure readings rather than guessed at, and the checks continue as treatment goes on.
Side effects worth knowing about
Most complaints come from the salt-and-water effect running stronger than it needs to. Ankles swell, weight creeps up, blood pressure rises, and headaches are common. Potassium can fall too low, which brings muscle weakness, cramp, or a heartbeat that turns fast and irregular; that needs urgent treatment. Blood tests pick up falling potassium before it shows, so the routine checks do the spotting. A sharp jump in weight, or swelling in the legs and abdomen, points the same way — too much fluid being held.
Other medicines, and keeping the tablets
Diuretics and digoxin, a heart medicine, both change how the body handles potassium, so potassium is watched more closely when either is taken alongside fludrocortisone. Fludrocortisone is not used during an active systemic fungal infection. Tablets keep in their original pack, somewhere cool and dry.
The fludrocortisone listing
Florinef 100mcg tablets are the fludrocortisone product in the shop, in the hormones range. Packs may carry either the brand name Florinef or the ingredient name Fludrocortisone tablets, at the same 100mcg strength.
Sources
- Fludrocortisone Acetate: MedlinePlus Drug Information — National Library of Medicine
- Adrenal Insufficiency & Addison's Disease - NIDDK — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Where can I buy Fludrocortisone in Hong Kong?
Fludrocortisone can be ordered online with delivery to Hong Kong. The page lists generic Florinef, 100mcg tablets also sold as Fludrocortisone tablets. If a parcel does not arrive within the delivery window, or arrives damaged, it is sent again free, and if that is not possible the order is refunded.
How are Fludrocortisone prices shown?
It depends on the product, strength and pack size. The fludrocortisone product listed here shows its current prices in HKD or the currency you select.
Do I need a prescription to order Fludrocortisone?
PockDose does not ask you to upload a prescription when you order fludrocortisone. See the ordering FAQ for details.
What brand names does fludrocortisone have?
Florinef is a brand name of fludrocortisone. Here, fludrocortisone can be bought online as generic Florinef. These are generics, not the original brand.
Is Florinef the same as fludrocortisone?
Yes. Florinef is a brand name for fludrocortisone acetate, and the two names describe the same medicine. The listing here is 100mcg tablets, which may be labelled either way on the pack.
Do I need more salt while taking fludrocortisone?
Some people with adrenal insufficiency eat a higher-sodium diet, and salt cravings are common with the condition. Fludrocortisone helps the kidneys hold on to sodium, so how much salt you need is looked at alongside blood pressure and potassium results.
Does fludrocortisone raise blood pressure?
It can. Raising blood pressure is part of what the medicine does, and a reading that climbs over weeks is a sign the dose is stronger than needed. Swollen ankles and fast weight gain usually come along with it.
Is fludrocortisone the only medicine used for adrenal insufficiency?
No. Replacement covers both hormones the adrenal glands are short of: a cortisol-type steroid such as hydrocortisone, often taken two or three times a day, and fludrocortisone for the aldosterone side, taken once a day.