If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Do not dispose of medications in wastewater e. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects. Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention. Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:.
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Diabetes: Fludrocortisone may cause a loss of control of diabetes by increasing blood glucose sugar. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
You may need to check your blood glucose levels more often. Electrolytes: Fludrocortisone may change the balance of electrolytes e. Your doctor will monitor your electrolyte levels with blood tests while you are taking this medication. Your doctor may ask you to restrict your salt intake or take potassium supplements to correct electrolyte imbalances. If you experience symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalance such as muscle pains or cramps; dry mouth; numb hands, feet, or lips; or racing heartbeat, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Eye problems: When this medication is used for long periods of time, it may cause eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma. Report any vision changes or eye discomfort to your doctor immediately. If you have herpes simplex infections of the eye, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Fluid retention edema : This medication can cause fluid retention which can lead to high blood pressure and changes in heart function. If you develop high blood pressure, swelling or the feet or ankles, or sudden weight gain while taking this medication, contact your doctor. Heart disease: Fludrocortisone may cause an elevation of blood pressure, salt and water retention, and increased excretion of potassium.
If you are at risk of developing high blood pressure, or you have a history of high blood pressure, or heart disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Infections: Corticosteroids can reduce your body's ability to fight infections and may hide signs of infection that is developing. If you develop symptoms of an infection e.
Kidney problems: If you have kidney problems or reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Before you begin taking and while you take this medication, tell your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms of an infection, such as fever, chills, or body aches.
For people with tuberculosis: Taking fludrocortisone may make an active tuberculosis infection worse. Let your doctor know if you currently have or have ever had tuberculosis.
For people with glaucoma: Taking fludrocortisone for a long time may increase the pressure in your eyes, causing damage to your eyes and vision.
Let your doctor know if you have glaucoma or any other eye diseases. For people with ocular herpes simplex: Taking fludrocortisone may cause perforation, or small holes, in the outer layer of your eye called the cornea. Let your doctor know if you have ocular herpes simplex. For people with heart disease: This includes high blood pressure and heart failure.
Taking fludrocortisone might cause your blood pressure to increase or make heart failure worse because it makes you retain salt and water. Let your doctor know if you have any heart problems.
For people with diabetes: Taking fludrocortisone can increase your blood sugar levels. You should monitor your blood sugar level more closely. Your doctor may need to increase the doses of your diabetes medications.
For people with stomach and intestine problems: If you have problems such as ulcers, diverticulitis, or ulcerative colitis, taking fludrocortisone may increase your risks for more ulcers, bleeds, or small holes in your stomach and intestines.
Let your doctor know if you have a history of these stomach and intestine problems. For people with osteoporosis: Taking fludrocortisone for a long time may make weak, fragile bones worse and increase your risk of broken bones.
Let your doctor know if you have a history of osteoporosis. For people with liver disease: The effects of fludrocortisone may be increased. You might need to take a lower dose. Let your doctor know if you have a history of liver disease. For people with hypothyroidism: The effects of fludrocortisone may be increased.
Let your doctor know if you have a history of thyroid disease. For people with mood disorders: Fludrocortisone may cause mood swings, personality changes, trouble sleeping, severe depression, or psychosis. Let your doctor know if you have a history of severe depression or other psychiatric disorders.
For pregnant women: Fludrocortisone is a category C pregnancy drug. That means two things:. Fludrocortisone should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
For women who are breastfeeding: Corticosteroids may pass into your breast milk. This could cause side effects in your child if you breastfeed while taking fludrocortisone. Your doctor may give you a smaller dose because too much of this drug in your body can be dangerous.
All possible dosages and forms may not be included here. Your dose, form, and how often you take it will depend on:. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages.
Always to speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you. Fludrocortisone is used for long-term treatment. This can lead to severe effects, including fatigue, weakness, low blood pressure, body aches and pain, fever, confusion, or coma. The dosage should always be decreased slowly. If you take too much: If you take too much fludrocortisone, you may develop high blood pressure, swelling, loss of potassium, increased heart size, or noticeable weight gain.
What to do if you miss a dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. This could result in dangerous side effects. How to tell if the drug is working: You may be able to tell if this drug is working if you experience reduced symptoms of salt loss, such as low blood pressure, lightheadedness when you stand up quickly, tiredness, and cravings for salty foods.
Your doctor may monitor your symptoms and do blood tests to make sure the drug is working well for you. A prescription for this medication is refillable.
You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.
Your doctor may perform tests to check your health and make sure the drug is safe and working for you. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible.
However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine does not cause unwanted effects. If you will be using this medicine for a long time, your doctor may want you to carry a medical identification card stating that you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention.
These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients.
If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission.
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