Floricot Tablet (Fludrocortisone)

What is Fludrocortisone?

Fludrocortisone is a drug that is an artificial form of a natural substance made by the body called glucocorticoid. This medication along with other drugs (hydrocortisone) is prescribed for the treatment of low levels of glucocorticoid caused by some diseases of the adrenal gland (Addisonâ€& trade's disease, adrenocortical insufficiency, salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome). Glucocorticoids are crucial for many functions in the body such as salt and water balance in the body, ensuring normal blood pressure, and carbohydrate metabolism.
Fludrocortisone is sold under various trade names, a couple of which are Florinef and Floricot (made by Samarth Life Sciences).

Fludrocortisone acetate is a medication that belongs to the class of corticosteroids. It is primarily used for its mineralocorticoid properties, which help regulate the balance of salt and water in the body. Fludrocortisone tablets are the oral form of the medication. They are commonly prescribed to treat conditions such as adrenal insufficiency and salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome, where the body does not produce enough natural corticosteroids.

Fludrocortisone is often prescribed for orthostatic hypotension, a condition characterized by low blood pressure upon standing up. It helps to increase blood volume and constrict blood vessels, thereby improving blood pressure regulation and reducing symptoms like dizziness and fainting.

In summary, fludrocortisone acetate is a corticosteroid medication available in tablet form, commonly used to treat conditions like orthostatic hypotension by regulating salt and water balance in the body.

How it works

Fludrocortisone belongs to a class of drugs called corticost**ds. It replaces the deficient natural hormone and relieves the signs and symptoms of Addison&rsquo's disease. It relieves the signs and symptoms of adrenogenital syndrome by binding to aldosterone receptors in the body. This binding in turn causes retention of salt and water in the body, raises blood pressure, and lowers potassium levels. Fludrocortisone reduces inflammation by switching off multiple inflammatory genes (encoding cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, inflammatory enzymes, receptors, and proteins) that have been activated during the chronic inflammatory process.

Fludrocortisone Uses

Fludrocortisone is used to treat Addison's disease (inability of adrenal glands to produce adequate natural st**d hormones), salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome (a form of hormone imbalance resulting from abnormal st**d production by the adrenal glands and associated with loss of salt in the urine), and as an anti-inflammatory (for reduction of pain, swelling, and redness associated with inflammation in any area of the body) agent.

Important Information about Fludrocortisone

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to Fludrocortisone (Florinef, Floricot), or if you have certain medical conditions such as fungal infections (candidiasis, valley fever).
Fludrocortisone causes your body to hold on to sodium and get rid of other salts (calcium, potassium, and others). Follow your doctor's directions about the intake of salts. This medication may hide signs of infections or make you prone to severe infections. Let your doctor know if you have any signs of infection while taking this medication like persistent sore throat/fever/cough, pain while urinating, or skin sores
Fludrocortisone can lower immunity. Therefore do not take live vaccines without asking your doctor. Also, avoid close contact with sick people or people who have taken oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose. Avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles infection. Get immediate medical attention if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles.
Using corticost**d drugs for prolonged periods can make it harder for your body to respond to physical stress. Let your doctor know before any surgery or emergency treatment that you are taking this medication or have used in within the past 12 months. Avoid any physical injury.
Limit alcohol consumption while taking Fludrocortisone. If you have diabetes, this medicine may make it harder for you to keep your sugar levels in check. You may have to closely monitor your sugar levels and adjust your diabetes medications and/or diet.
st**dal medication may hinder a child's growth if used for a long time. If a child is taking this Fludrocortisone, then he or she may be checked regularly for growth signs. If you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, you must consult a doctor before taking this medicine. This medication can harm an unborn baby or a nursing child. Do not take this medication on your own without proper medical screening and advice.

Before taking Fludrocortisone

Before taking Fludrocortisone (Florinef, Floricot), keep in mind all precautions listed above. Notify your doctor if you have or ever had any of the following conditions: bleeding disorders, blood clots, brittle bones, diabetes, eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma, infection), heart trouble (congestive heart failure), high blood pressure, infections (herpes, tuberculosis), kidney disease, liver disease (such as cirrhosis), mental/mood disorders, low blood minerals, stomach or intestinal problems, seizures, or thyroid disorders.

How should I take Fludrocortisone?

Take Fludrocortisone medication strictly as advised by your doctor. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer it for complete details about the medication. Do not change the dose or schedule of this medication under any situation, unless or otherwise advised by your doctor. Do not continue to use this medication after the period for which it was prescribed is over. Always store medications in a cool and dry place, away from the reach of children and pets.

What if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of Fludrocortisone for any reason, take it as soon as you remember it. Don’t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Taking multiple doses near each other can lead to excess medication in your body which can lead to overdose.

What if I overdose?

In case of an overdose of Fludrocortisone, get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor Immediately. Overdose may lead to symptoms such as high blood pressure, water retention, extreme weight gain, and muscle weakness.

Things and Activities to avoid while taking Fludrocortisone

Fludrocortisone can lower immunity. Therefore do not take live vaccines without asking your doctor. Also, avoid close contact with sick people or people who have taken oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose. Avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles infection. Get immediate medical attention if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. Limit alcohol consumption while taking Fludrocortisone

Side Effects of Fludrocortisone

Some of the common side effects of Fludrocortisone (Florinef, Floricot) are headache, stomach upset, and menstrual changes. If any of these side effects deteriorate or persist for a long time, you must seek immediate medical attention.
Get immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following rare but serious side effects: change in skin appearance (color, thinning, fatty areas), easy bleeding or bruising, dizziness, slow wound healing, signs of infections (persistent sore throat, fever, or skin sores), bone/joint/muscle pain, stomach/abdominal pain, eye problems, severe headaches, unusual weight gain, increased thirst or urination, seizure, irregular heartbeat/heart pounding, depression, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

The side effects thus mentioned are not the only ones that you may experience or witness due to Fludrocortisone. If you get any serious side effects due to Fludrocortisone, contact your doctor right away.

Fludrocortisone Dosing Information

Fludrocortisone dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor's advice properly for the best outcome.

Fludrocortisone Interaction with other drugs

Certain other drugs can interact with Fludrocortisone. Let your doctor know if you use any other medications, especially these ones: aspirin, amphotericin B, diuretics, digoxin, phenytoin, barbiturates, rifampin, blood thinners, insulin or oral diabetes medications, or an anabolic st**d (such as oxymetholone, nandrolone, and others). However, these are not all possible drug interactions. There may be others. Never start a new medication on your own. Always consult a doctor before taking a medication.

Expert advice

Fludrocortisone should be cautiously in children who are suffering from or are exposed to other children suffering from chickenpox, measles, or other communicable diseases.
When an increased glucocorticoid effect is desirable (such as during physical trauma, major surgery, or severe illness), the doctor might prescribe cortisone or hydrocortisone along with fludrocortisone tablets.
Inform the doctor if you are suffering from any intestinal, bowel disorder or stomach ulcer, liver, kidney, or thyroid disease, infection or inflammation of a vein(s) in legs, mental disorder (especially depression) in self or family member, recurrent fits, any form of cancer, osteoporosis (thin or brittle bones), periodic weakness of muscles (especially myasthenia gravis), high blood pressure, heart failure, increased eye pressure (glaucoma), diabetes, or have had bowel surgery.
You may be more likely to experience side effects of fludrocortisone if you are >65 years of age.
When given to patients who are <18 years old, fludrocortisone may lead to retarded growth.

Frequently asked questions

Fludrocortisone

Q. Is fludrocortisone safe during pregnancy?

Fludrocortisone should only be used if the potential benefits justify the potential risk to the baby. Please follow your doctor's advice regarding its use.

Q. Is it safe to use fludrocortisone during breastfeeding?

Fludrocortisone should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the infant. Please follow your doctor's advice regarding its use.

Q. Is fludrocortisone a st**d? Is it used for blood thinning or for low blood pressure?

Fludrocortisone is a corticost**d. It is used to treat Addiso's disease (inability of adrenal glands to produce adequate natural corticost**d natural hormones), and salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome (a form of hormone imbalance resulting from abnormal st**d production by the adrenal glands and associated with loss of salt in the urine), and as an anti-inflammatory agent. Fludrocortisone is not used for blood thinning or to lower blood pressure.

Q. Does fludrocortisone cause weight gain/ weight loss/ hair loss/ adrenal suppression/hypokalemia/rise in blood pressure or affect birth control?

Fludrocortisone can cause weight gain, a rise in blood pressure, hypokalemia (reduced blood potassium level), and adrenal suppression in overdoses. It does not cause hair loss or affect birth control.

Q. Does fludrocortisone affect cortisol levels?

Yes, constant administration of fludrocortisone reduces endogenous cortisol levels.

Q. Is fludrocortisone gluten-free?

Yes. Fludrocortisone is gluten-free. However, please refer to the package insert of the prescribed brand before use.

Q. Is fludrocortisone addictive?

Fludrocortisone does not seem to have habit-forming potential. The patient’s disease can, however, become dependent on fludrocortisone, in which case the signs and symptoms subside only in the presence of fludrocortisone, and return once the medicine is stopped. In such cases, usually, medicines other than corticost**ds are used.

Q. Is fludrocortisone safe?

Fludrocortisone is safe when taken at the prescribed dose and duration as your doctor advises.

Q. Can I take ibuprofen with fludrocortisone?

Said combination is not advisable. Ibuprofen and fludrocortisone can increase the chances of bleeding from stomach ulcer, if present.

Q. Can you take fludrocortisone with alcohol?

The use of fludrocortisone with alcohol is not advised.