About fludrocortisone acetate
Mineralocorticoid corticosteroid
Used for
- Treats adrenal insufficiency, including Addison’s disease
- Helps prevent salt loss in certain inherited adrenal disorders
Usual adult dose
Usually 0.05–0.2 mg once daily; dose is adjusted to clinical response.
Usual dose in children
Usually 0.05–0.2 mg daily, adjusted by a specialist to growth and clinical response.
Common side effects
- High blood pressure or swelling
- Low potassium
- Headache
- Increased appetite or weight gain
Important warnings
- Can cause fluid retention, high blood pressure, and potassium loss.
- Illness, fever, surgery, or injury may require changes to other steroid treatment.
- Do not stop long-term treatment suddenly without medical supervision.
- Monitoring may include blood pressure, electrolytes, and growth in children.
Pregnancy
May be used when needed for adrenal insufficiency; treatment should be managed by a clinician.
Breastfeeding
Generally compatible when medically needed; discuss treatment with a clinician.
Interactions
- Diuretics and laxatives can worsen potassium loss.
- Digoxin effects and toxicity risk may increase with low potassium.
- Rifampicin, phenytoin, and some other medicines can reduce its effect.
- NSAIDs may increase stomach irritation or bleeding risk.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.