Florinef (Fludrocortisone)

What is Florinef?

Florinef (fludrocortisone) is a steroid that is given to patients in tandem with other drugs to lower glucocorticoid levels caused by adrenal gland diseases.

What is Florinef used for?

Florinef is used as replenishment for the deficiency of natural production of glucocorticoid in the body. It is used to treat Addison’s disease, adrenocortical insufficiency and salt losing adrenogenital syndrome. It is also used to maintain the electrolyte balance and normal blood pressure. They are also used to break down carbohydrates in the diet.

How does Florinef work?

Florinef replaces the natural glucocorticoid in the body and prevents the release of inflammatory substances. It breaks down the carbohydrates in the regular diet of patients and maintains electrolyte balance.

How to use Florinef

You are advised to take Florinef tablets, orally, daily, with a full glass of water. You can take the tablet with or without food. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Florinef warnings and precautions

Do not take Florinef if you are allergic to any of its components or have a fungal infection in the blood.

Discuss your medical history in full detail with your doctor. If you have had bleeding problems, blood clots, osteoporosis, diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, heart diseases, neurological disorders, psychological problems like depression, suicidal tendencies, anxiety, psychosis, liver and kidney disease, stomach infection, tuberculosis, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, peptic ulcer disease, seizures and hypothyroidism, your dosage needs to be customized for your body.

Florinef is known to weaken the immune system, therefore avoid being with people who suffer from colds, infections, fever, chicken pox, and measles.

Do not take alcohol or smoke cigarettes while you are under this medication. Also, do not discontinue using Florinef, or increase/ decrease the dose without the doctor’s permission.

Administer the medication with caution on children and the elderly.

Use effective birth control measures during intercourse as Florinef reduces the efficacy of the birth control pills. Pregnant and lactating mothers must not use this medication under any circumstance if there is an option available. Discuss with your doctor in both cases.

What do I do if I have missed a Florinef dose?

If you have missed a Florinef dose, you should take it as soon as you remember but do not take two tablets on the same day to catch up. If it is time for your regular dose, skip the missed dose and resume the routine.

What do I do if I have taken a Florinef overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Florinef, rush to your nearest medical emergency center or consult your doctor.

Florinef interactions

Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all prescribed and non prescribed dosages that you are on, especially if you have been taking drugs like aspirin, aldesluekin, ibuprofen, indomethacin, warfarin, digoxin, insulin, glyburide, androgens, birth control pills, rifamycins, barbiturates and phenytoin. These drugs must not be taken in tandem with Florinef without prescription.

Florinef side effects

Some serious side effects from Florinef include changes in skin color, appearance and texture; bleeding, bruising, dizziness, slow wound healing, abnormal abdominal pain, severe and painful swelling in the face, throat, tongue, hands and legs; severe fatigue, increased thirst and urination, abnormal weight gain, muscle weakness, persistent fever and cough.

If there is redness and pain in the eye, black stools, seizure, abnormal headache, vomit that looks like coffee grounds etc, do not delay the meeting with the doctor. These are some of the very serious Florinef side effects.

Other less serious side effects of Florinef include headache and changes in the menstrual cycle.