Fludrocortisone
Also known as: Florinef
* **Do not stop abruptly:** This medication is life-saving and must be given exactly as prescribed. Missing doses can lead to a life-threatening Addisonian crisis. * **Stressful events:** Your pet may need extra medication (like prednisolone) during stressful times (boarding, surgery, illness, travel). Consult your vet beforehand. * **Monitoring:** Regular blood tests are essential to ensure the dose is correct, especially in the first year of treatment. * **Side effects:** Watch for excessive thirst, increased urination, weight gain, or swelling, and report these to your veterinarian.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease)
- Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Hypertension
- Oedema (including cerebral oedema)
- Hypokalaemia
- Hypercortisolism / Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome (with long-term overdose)
- Polyuria/polydipsia (PU/PD)
- Clinical signs of hypercortisolism (with long-term overdose)
Cautions & contraindications
- No specific contraindications listed in the monograph, but use with caution in patients with congestive heart failure, severe hypertension, or renal disease.
- No specific contraindications available in the monograph, but generally contraindicated in patients with systemic fungal infections or known hypersensitivity.
- * Monitor **absolute sodium and potassium concentrations** (not just the Na:K ratio) 4-6 hours post-pill. * If dosing q24h, check Na/K concentrations pre-pill. * Supplemental doses of prednisolone may be required at times of metabolic or physical stress. * Some formulations require refrigeration. * **Clinical Pearl:** Dose requirements often increase over the first 6-18 months of therapy as residual adrenal function ceases.
Drug interactions
- Amphotericin B: Increased risk of severe hypokalaemia
- Furosemide: Increased risk of hypokalaemia due to additive potassium-depleting effects
- Thiazide diuretics: Increased risk of hypokalaemia due to additive potassium-depleting effects
Frequently asked questions
What is Fludrocortisone used for in pets?
* **Do not stop abruptly:** This medication is life-saving and must be given exactly as prescribed. Missing doses can lead to a life-threatening Addisonian crisis. * **Stressful events:** Your pet may need extra medication (like prednisolone) during stressful times (boarding, surgery, illness, travel). Consult your vet beforehand. * **Monitoring:** Regular blood tests are essential to ensure the dose is correct, especially in the first year of treatment. * **Side effects:** Watch for excessive thirst, increased urination, weight gain, or swelling, and report these to your veterinarian.
Is Fludrocortisone safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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