Fludrocortisone
From SEHK Wiki
Introduction
Fludrocortisone is a steroid with potent mineralocorticoid activity. It is used to treat:
- adrenocortical insufficiency
- postural hypotension
- adrenogenital syndrome
| Generic Name | HA Code | Legal Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Fludrocortisone Acetate Tablet 100mcg | FLUD01 | P1S1S3 |
| Brand Name | HK Reg Number | Active Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| FLORINEF TABLET 0.1mg
|
HK-00036 | fludrocortisone acetate |
Mechanism of Action
Fludrocortisone is a corticosteroid with glucocorticoid and highly potent mineralocorticoid activity.
Dosage
Fludrocortisone is used, usually with hydrocortisone, for replacement therapy in adrenocortical insufficiency.
| Replacement therapy in adrenal insufficiency | Oral: 50-300 micrograms daily |
|---|---|
| severe orthostatic hypotension | Oral: 50-300 micrograms daily |
It is also used ear drops in concentration of 0.1%.
Side Effects
Fludrocortisone acetate has glucocorticoid actions about 10 times as potent as hydrocortisone and mineralocorticoid effects more than 100 times as potent. Adverse effects are mainly those due to mineralocorticoid activity:
- sodium and water retention
- swelling due to fluid retention (oedema)
- hypertension
- increased excretion of potassium leading to hypokalaemia
- heart failure may be induced in susceptible patients
Other side-effects include:
| steroid-induced diabetes | Raised blood sugar level |
|---|---|
| Osteoporosis, muscle wasting and weakenss | which is a danger, particularly in the elderly, as it can result in osteoporotic fractures for example of the hip or vertebrae |
| Susceptibility to infection | |
| Disturbances of the gut | Indigestion, peptic ulcer, distension of the abdomen |
| Suppression of growth in children | |
| Endocrine side effects | menstrual irregularities , hirsutism (increased hair growth), weight gain |
| Neuropsychiatric side effects | aggravation of schizophrenia, aggravation of epilepsy, insomnia, irritability, depression |
| Dermatological side effects | easy bruising, impaired wound healing, thinning of skin and stretch marks |
| Ophthalmic side effects | glaucoma, partial loss of vision due to opacity in the lens of the eye (cataracts) |
