Fludrocortisone Acetate
Also known as: Florinef, Florinefe, Astonin, Astonin H, Lonikan
Fludrocortisone is a life-saving medication used to treat **Addison's disease** (hypoadrenocorticism), a condition where your pet's adrenal glands do not produce enough essential hormones. * **Consistency is Key:** Give this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop the medication abruptly, as this can lead to a life-threatening Addisonian crisis. * **Stressful Events:** Your pet may need extra medication (like prednisone) during times of stress, such as boarding, travel, or illness. Discuss a stress-plan with your veterinarian. * **What to Watch For:** Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice signs of an Addisonian crisis (weakness, severe lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite) or signs of an overdose (excessive thirst and urination, swelling/edema, or sudden weight gain). * **Follow-up:** Regular blood tests are absolutely necessary to ensure the dose is correct. The dose often needs to be adjusted over your pet's lifetime.
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
- Maintenance therapy of hypoadrenocorticism
- Maintenance therapy of hypoadrenocorticism
- Hypoadrenocorticism
- Hypoadrenocorticism
- Maintenance of hypoadrenocorticism
- Hypoadrenocorticism
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Polyuria (PU)
- Polydipsia (PD)
- Hypertension
- Edema
- Hypokalemia
- Hypernatremia
- Signs of iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome (due to glucocorticoid effects)
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to fludrocortisone
- > **Stress Dosing:** All animals with hypoadrenocorticism should receive additional glucocorticoids (2-10 times basal dose) during periods of stress, surgery, or acute illness. * **Glucocorticoid Supplementation:** Some dogs or cats may require additional ongoing supplementation with a glucocorticoid agent (like prednisone) if fludrocortisone's inherent glucocorticoid activity is insufficient. * **Nursing Mothers:** May be excreted in significant quantities in milk. Puppies or kittens of treated mothers should receive milk replacer after colostrum is consumed. * **Cost:** Expense may be a limiting factor, especially in large breed dogs requiring high doses.
Drug interactions
- Amphotericin B: Patients may develop hypokalemia if administered concomitantly.
- Aspirin: Fludrocortisone may reduce salicylate levels.
- Potassium-depleting diuretics (e.g., thiazides, furosemide): May cause hypokalemia; diuretics can cause sodium loss, counteracting the effects of fludrocortisone.
- Insulin: Potentially increases the insulin requirements of diabetic patients.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fludrocortisone Acetate used for in pets?
Fludrocortisone is a life-saving medication used to treat **Addison's disease** (hypoadrenocorticism), a condition where your pet's adrenal glands do not produce enough essential hormones. * **Consistency is Key:** Give this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop the medication abruptly, as this can lead to a life-threatening Addisonian crisis. * **Stressful Events:** Your pet may need extra medication (like prednisone) during times of stress, such as boarding, travel, or illness. Discuss a stress-plan with your veterinarian. * **What to Watch For:** Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice signs of an Addisonian crisis (weakness, severe lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite) or signs of an overdose (excessive thirst and urination, swelling/edema, or sudden weight gain). * **Follow-up:** Regular blood tests are absolutely necessary to ensure the dose is correct. The dose often needs to be adjusted over your pet's lifetime.
Is Fludrocortisone Acetate 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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