CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Gigi Davidson,
Medication: Fludrocortisone
Your cat has been prescribed fludrocortisone for the treatment of Addison’s disease.
ℹ️Key points: • There are no licensed veterinary products containing fludrocortisone. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human drug to your pet which contains fludrocortisone. Your veterinarian will explain off-license prescribing to you. • Your veterinarian may also give your cat prednisone or prednisolone to be taken along with fludrocortisone during stressful events. • Ensure you do not run out of this medication as stopping it suddenly can be fatal. • Dosage: once daily, as directed by your veterinarian. Treatment will be lifelong.
ℹ️This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. ⚠️Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Fludrocortisone (floo-droh-cor-tih-sown).
Brand name
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing fludrocortisone.
Class of medication
- Mineralocorticoid.
Storage
- Store at controlled room temperature protected from humidity and light.
Why has my cat been prescribed fludrocortisone?
Your veterinarian has prescribed fludrocortisone for the treatment of Addison’s disease. Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism) is an uncommon disease whereby the body doesn’t produce enough mineralocorticoid and/or glucocorticoid. These hormones control many different important bodily functions and without them your pet will become seriously ill and if left untreated would die. Fludrocortisone is a synthetic mineralocorticoid and has been prescribed to replace the essential hormone that your pet is no longer able to produce themselves. Your veterinarian may also prescribe prednisone or prednisolone (a glucocorticoid hormone) to give to your pet during stressful events.
How is the medication given?
Fludrocortisone is given orally (as tablets). It is usually administered once daily. It may take a few weeks to ascertain the correct dose for your pet, as this varies between patients. Tablets may be administered with or without food. It is important to follow dosing guidelines carefully. ⚠️It is important never to run out of fludrocortisone as stopping this medication suddenly can be fatal.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Reported side-effects include panting, and increased thirst, urination, and appetite. Fludrocortisone may also cause gastrointestinal upset. Fludrocortisone should not be given to pregnant or nursing queens. Overdose can result in weakness and brain damage. Fludrocortisone interacts with many other drugs including: furosemide (frusemide) or thiazides (heart medications), antifungal drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressive drugs, and some epilepsy drugs. Fludrocortisone may also impair your pet's immunological response to a vaccination. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you feel your pet has any side-effects from this medication.
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
Fludrocortisone tablets should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Your pet will require this medication for life. Do not discontinue it suddenly as this may cause brain damage or death.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused fludrocortisone safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the next dose is separated by at least 6 hours. If you accidentally give an extra dose, your pet should be fine but contact your veterinarian if you give more than one extra dose. If you have any concerns, speak to your veterinarian.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice. Do not stop giving the fludrocortisone.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Fludrocortisone should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice. If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center immediately.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on fludrocortisone?
Your cat may need regular check-ups and blood tests to ensure that they are on the correct dose of fludrocortisone.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on fludrocortisone can be found on the package insert.Europe & UK
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing fludrocortisone available in the UK and Europe.
US
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing fludrocortisone available in the US.
