Before taking fludrocortisone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding problems, blood clots, brittle bones (osteoporosis), diabetes, eye problems (such as cataracts, glaucoma, infection of the eye), heart problems (such as heart failure), high blood pressure, infections (such as candidiasis, valley fever, herpes, tuberculosis), kidney disease, liver disease (such as cirrhosis, hepatitis B), mental/mood disorders (such as anxiety, depression, psychosis), low blood minerals (such as calcium, potassium), stomach/intestinal problems (such as diverticulitis, peptic ulcer disease, ulcerative colitis), seizures, thyroid problems, a certain adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma).
Fludrocortisone makes your body hold on to salt (sodium) and get rid of other salts (such as calcium, potassium). Follow your doctor's advice on how much salt, potassium, and calcium should be in your diet.
This medication may mask signs of infection. It can make you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.
Using corticosteroid medications for a long time can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past 12 months. Tell your doctor right away if you develop unusual/extreme tiredness or weight loss. If you will be using this medication for a long time, carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your use of this medication.
If you have a history of ulcers or take large doses of aspirin or other arthritis medicine, limit alcoholic beverages while taking this medication to lower the risk of stomach/intestinal bleeding.
If you have diabetes, this drug may make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and inform your doctor of the results. Your diabetic medication or diet may need to be adjusted.
This medication may slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. Consult the doctor or pharmacist for more details. See the doctor regularly so your child's height and growth can be checked.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially water retention, bone loss/pain, stomach/intestinal bleeding, and mental/mood changes (such as confusion).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for an extended time may have low levels of corticosteroid hormone. Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.
This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
