Fludrocortisone is used by veterinarians in the treatment of Addison's Disease. Fludrocortisone requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is sold per tablet.
For: Cats and Dogs
Benefits:
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Easy to administer
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Once a day dosing, typically
How it works: Fludrocortisone acetate is a mineralocorticoid, similar in action to aldosterone, which acts on the kidney to help balance the concentration of sodium and potassium in your pet’s body.
Cautions: If your pet experiences increased blood pressure, sudden weight gain, difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the lips, tongue or face, stop giving Fludrocortisone and seek emergency veterinary medical attention.
More Information:
Brand Name Florinef (Bristol-Myers Squibb)
Generic Name Fludrocortisone (flew-dro-cort’-ih-zone)
What is the most important information I should know about fludrocortisone: Fludrocortisone is a prescription medication that is commonly used by veterinarians in dogs and cats for the treatment of Addison's disease. Fludrocortisone is available as 0.1mg scored tablets. Fludrocortisone should not be stopped suddenly. There should be a gradual reduction in dosage before stopping. Fludrocortisone should be taken with food to lessen stomach upset. Contact the veterinarian if the pet develops behavior changes, swelling, or unusual weight gain.
What is Fludrocortisone: Fludrocortisone is a corticosteroid used to treat conditions in which the body does not produce enough of its own steroids, such as Addison's disease. Fludrocortisone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving fludrocortisone to my pet: Do not give fludrocortisone to your pet if the pet has a serious bacterial, viral or fungal infection. Fludrocortisone weakens the pet's immune response and its ability to fight infections. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney or liver disease, heart disease, stomach ulcers, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus or any other medical conditions. Also tell your veterinarian if the pet is pregnant or lactating.
How should this medication be given: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Do not give more or less than is prescribed by the veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. In dogs, the usual dose is 0.009mg/pound once a day. In cats, the usual dose is 0.1mg per cat once a day. Keep plenty of water available for the pet. Fludrocortisone should be given with food. Do not stop giving this medication suddenly if the pet has been on the medication for a few weeks. A gradual reduction in dosage may be required before stopping this medication. Store fludrocortisone at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it almost time for the next dose, skip the dose missed and give only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. A single large dose of fludrocortisone is unlikely to cause symptoms or death. An overdose is more likely to occur due to large doses being taken over a period of time. Symptoms of overdose may include swelling or water retention, high blood pressure, weight gain, low levels of potassium in the blood, and Cushing's disease.
What should I avoid while giving Fludrocortisone to my pet: Avoid sources of infection. Do not use any vaccines without checking with the veterinarian.
What are the possible side effects of Fludrocortisone: If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving fludrocortisone and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue or face; hives), increased blood pressure or sudden weight gain. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving fludrocortisone and talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences insomnia, nausea, vomiting or stomach upset, fatigue, muscle weakness or joint pain, problems with diabetes control or increased hunger or thirst. Other side effects that occur rarely, usually with high doses of fludrocortisone include thinning of the skin, cataracts, glaucoma, behavior changes. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
What other drugs will affect Fludrocortisone: Do not give any other over the counter or prescription medications, including herbal products, during treatment with fludrocortisone without first talking to the veterinarian. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is taking Phenobarbital, furosemide, insulin or glipizide, phenytoin, digoxin, warfarin, or aspirin. Drugs other than those listed may interact with fludrocortisone resulting in side effects or altered effectiveness.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Fludrocortisone written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Directions:
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Fludrocortisone is a corticosteroid available by prescription used to treat conditions in which the body does not produce enough of its own steroids, such as Addison’s disease.
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Do not give fludrocortisone to your pet if the pet has serious bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. Fludrocortisone weakens the pet’s immune response and its ability to fight infections.
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Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Do not give more or less than is prescribed by your veterinarian.
Tip: Keep plenty of water available for the pet to drink. Fludrocortisone should be given with food. Do not stop giving this medication suddenly if the pet has been on the medication for a few weeks. A gradual reduction in dosage may be required before stopping this medication.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs:
All weights
The usual dose is 0.009mg per pound of pet’s body weight once daily with food
My dog has had addison's for about 9 months, took injections first 3, and flur. and predinsone each day now, my question is , he seems to shudder alot, he is an indoor dog, however I don't remember the shuddering before dianogis and with injections,could this be side effect of pills?? also, maybe a three to four pound weight gain...13 to 17 should i be concerned? thanks
I'm not familiar with "shuddering" being one of the side effects of any of these medications. However, it is possible. I would suggest you let your veterinarian know that your pet is reacting in this manner. As to the weight gain, that is a normal side effect of taking these kinds of medications.
The price of fluodrocortisone on our website is per tablet. You can also always contact our customer service department at 1 800 738 6337 to see if other offers are available at the time of purchase.
The actual dose needs to be determined by your veterinarian. What I can tell you is that a usual dose could be 2 tablets once a day for a 23 lb dog. However, that's a usual dose, not the dose. Once again, your veterinarian will make that determination.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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