Florinef (fludrocortisone) — practical medication guide

If your doctor mentioned Florinef, you want clear answers: what it does, how to take it, and what to watch for. This guide explains the basics in plain language so you can feel prepared and in control.

Florinef is the brand name for fludrocortisone. It works like the hormone aldosterone, helping your body keep sodium and water and get rid of potassium. That action raises blood volume and supports blood pressure. Doctors prescribe Florinef mainly for adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease), certain salt‑wasting conditions, and some cases of orthostatic hypotension (fainting or lightheadedness when you stand).

How dosing and monitoring work

Dosing usually starts very low. Many adults begin at 0.05 mg once daily in the morning. Some people need 0.1–0.2 mg daily, but doctors adjust the dose based on blood pressure, weight, and lab tests. Children get smaller doses based on weight. Your provider will check blood pressure and electrolytes (especially potassium and sodium) after starting treatment and during follow‑up.

Common targets: keep potassium in the normal lab range (often 3.5–5.0 mEq/L) and avoid high blood pressure. Weigh yourself daily and report a sudden gain of more than 1–2 kg (about 2–4 lbs) over a couple of days. If your blood pressure rises or you develop swelling, the dose may be lowered.

Side effects, risks, and drug interactions

Typical side effects include fluid retention, increased blood pressure, swelling in the ankles, and low potassium. Low potassium can cause muscle cramps, weakness, or irregular heartbeats. Less common issues are headache, acne, and sleep trouble. If you have heart failure, severe hypertension, or serious kidney disease, Florinef needs careful supervision.

Florinef can interact with other medications. Diuretics that lower potassium (like furosemide) can make potassium loss worse. Drugs that raise potassium may mask low values. If you take blood pressure meds, heart medicines, steroids, or potassium supplements, tell your prescriber so they can adjust treatment and monitoring.

Do not stop Florinef suddenly if you are being treated for adrenal insufficiency without talking to your doctor. Stopping abruptly can cause low blood pressure and symptoms of adrenal crisis. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember the same day; don’t double the next dose without advice.

Practical tips: take Florinef in the morning with food, keep a daily log of blood pressure and weight, and carry a card that says you take fludrocortisone. Eat potassium‑rich foods if advised, and keep regular lab checks. Store the medicine at room temperature away from light and moisture.

If you want more detailed lab targets, dosing examples, or how Florinef fits into adrenal replacement therapy, talk to your clinician or explore related medication articles on Invigormedical.com. Bring these questions to your next visit: what is my target blood pressure and potassium level, how often will labs run, and what exact signs require urgent care?