When your body doesn’t make enough fludrocortisone, a synthetic mineralocorticoid hormone that helps your kidneys manage salt and water balance. Also known as Florinef, it’s not a painkiller or a general steroid—it’s a precision tool for when your adrenal glands fall short.
Fludrocortisone is most often prescribed for adrenal insufficiency, a condition where your body can’t produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. Without it, you lose too much sodium, your blood pressure drops, and you feel weak, dizzy, or faint. It’s also used for orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up, especially in people with autonomic nerve damage or after prolonged bed rest. Unlike prednisone or hydrocortisone, fludrocortisone doesn’t fight inflammation—it’s all about keeping your fluid levels steady.
People taking fludrocortisone often need to watch their salt intake. Too little salt can make the drug less effective; too much can cause swelling or high blood pressure. It’s not a one-size-fits-all dose—your doctor adjusts it based on your weight, kidney function, and how your body responds. Many users report feeling more stable after starting it, but side effects like headaches, bloating, or mood swings can happen. It also interacts with other drugs, especially diuretics, NSAIDs, and some heart medications. If you’re on multiple prescriptions, talk to your pharmacist before starting or stopping fludrocortisone.
You won’t find fludrocortisone in every medicine cabinet, but for those who need it, it’s life-changing. It’s not glamorous, but it keeps people standing up, moving around, and living without constant dizziness. The posts below cover real-world situations where fludrocortisone plays a role—from managing low blood pressure after surgery to handling autoimmune adrenal damage. You’ll also find related topics like how salt affects blood pressure, why certain medications clash with steroids, and what to do when generic versions don’t seem to work the same. This isn’t theory. It’s what people actually deal with every day.
Addison’s disease is a life-threatening condition where the adrenal glands fail to produce cortisol and aldosterone. Lifelong steroid replacement, emergency protocols, and patient education are essential for survival. Learn the signs, treatments, and daily management strategies.