fludrocortisone

Trade name

Florinef

Use

§Adrenocortical insufficiency-Addison's disease

Patient Teaching Guidelines for Fludrocortisone

§Eat foods high in potassium such as bananas, potatoes, and orange juice. §Decrease sodium in the diet and limit salt intake. §Report muscle weakness, numbness, fatigue, depression, increased urination, changes in heart rhythm, epigastric pain, and tarry stools. §Monitor weight and report an increase of 5 pounds to the primary health care provider. §Report any infections or injuries to the primary health care provider. § Wear medical alert identification.

Action

§Facilitate sodium resorption §Promote hydrogen ion and potassium excretion

Side effects

§Negative nitrogen balance, fluid imbalance, fluid overload, §Hypertension, hypokalemia §GI distress §Metabolic alkalosis