Aldocort 0.10

• Addison's Disease: Used for primary and secondary adrenocortical insufficiency.
• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Used for salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome.
• Postural Hypotension: Used for orthostatic hypotension.

Fludrocortisone binds the mineralocorticoid receptor (aldosterone receptor). This binding (or activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor by fludrocortisone) in turn causes an increase in ion and water transport and thus raises extracellular fluid volume and blood pressure and lowers potassium levels.

Adult Dose (Oral):

• Addison's Disease (Primary and Secondary Adrenocortical Insufficiency): 0.1 mg/day; range 0.1 mg 3 times weekly to 0.2 mg/day; if hypertension occurs: 0.05 mg/day.
• Salt-Losing Adrenogenital Syndrome: 0.1-0.2 mg/day.
• Postural Hypotension: 0.1-0.4 mg daily for diabetic patients; 0.05-0.2 mg daily for levodopa-induced postural hypotension.

Child Dose: Not FDA-approved for use in children.

Common Side Effects:

• Behavioral changes
• Weight gain
• Bone disorder
• Thinning of skin
• Altered blood sugar level
• Mood changes
• Upset stomach

Other Side Effects: Erythema, purpura, vertigo, pancreatitis, increased intraocular pressure, muscular weakness, hypertension, edema, cardiac enlargement, congestive heart failure, steroid myopathy, peptic ulcer, osteoporosis, convulsions, menstrual irregularities, potassium loss, hypokalemic alkalosis, allergic and anaphylactic reactions.

Use in Pregnancy: Category C; animal studies have shown harmful effects; only use when no alternatives and benefit outweighs risk.

Precautions:

• Fludrocortisone Acetate does not usually affect your ability to drive.
• Used for treatment of Addison's disease; corrects electrolyte imbalances.
• Take with food to avoid stomach upset.
• Your doctor may get regular blood tests to monitor electrolyte (sodium) levels.
• Regularly monitor your blood pressure, salt intake, and weight.
• Inform doctor before receiving any vaccines (may re-activate old infections).
• Inform doctor if you have or had hepatitis B, C, or tuberculosis.
• Do not stop taking the medication suddenly.
• Caution in patients with infections (tuberculosis, measles, chicken pox, herpes zoster), congestive cardiac failure, hypertension, renal insufficiency, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer.

Overdose: Overdose is unlikely; however, treatment is by supportive and symptomatic therapy.

Storage: Keep below 30 degree C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.