Mineral Corticoids - fludrocortisone Flashcards
1
Q
What is fludrocortisone used for?
A
Fludrocortisone is used to treat adrenocortical insufficiency in ADDISON DISEASE.
and for treating salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome
2
Q
How does fludrocortisone work?
A
It works by causing the kidneys to retain sodium and acts as a replacement for cortisone when the does not produce enough.
3
Q
When should you not use fludrocortisone?
A
- systemic fungal infection
- TB
4
Q
What drugs interact with fludrocortisone?
A
- Anabolic steroids (e.g. oxymetholone)
- Barbiturates (e.g. carbamezapine)
- Amphotericine B (antifungals)
- Methotrexate (increases the effectiveness of fludrocortisone)
- Phenytoin
- live vaccines
- warfarin
5
Q
What are the side effects of fludrocortisone?
A
- dizziness
- nervousness
- headache
- long term –> cataract
- decreased immunity
