Fludrocortisone
Fludrocortisone (brand name: Florinef) is a synthetic corticosteroid hormone used in treatment of postural hypotension and adrenal insufficiency, including Addison's disease. It is frequently used off-label as a treatment for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and orthostatic intolerance (OI). In adrenal insufficiency, it is generally taken together with hydrocortisone.
Fludrocortisone is mostly a mineralocorticoid, but it has very weak glucocorticoid effects.[1] It mimics the function of aldosterone, increasing blood sodium levels and therefore, blood volume.[2]
Use in chronic fatigue syndrome[edit | edit source]
*In 1998, a study by Phillip K. Peterson, et al, showed that low-dose fludrocortisone does not provide sufficient benefit to patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, a reaction time test, and a treadmill exercise test, they found no observed improvement in the severity of any symptom. Likewise, blood pressure and heart rate readings were unaffected by treatment.[3]
ME/CFS patients often have OI or POTS and these conditions could improve by taking fludrocortisone.[4][5]
Side effects and drug interactions[edit | edit source]
It is important to discuss fludrocortisone's side effects[6] and possible drug interactions[7] with your doctor and pharmacist.
Notable studies[edit | edit source]
- 1998, A preliminary placebo-controlled crossover trial of fludrocortisone for chronic fatigue syndrome.[3] (Full Text)
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Chrousos, George; Pavlaki, Aikaterini N.; Magiakou, Maria Alexandra (2000). De Groot, Leslie J.; Chrousos, George; Dungan, Kathleen; Feingold, Kenneth R.; Grossman, Ashley; Hershman, Jerome M.; Koch, Christian; Korbonits, Márta; McLachlan, Robert (eds.). "Glucocorticoid Therapy and Adrenal Suppression". Endotext. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc. PMID 25905379 – via NCBI NLM NIH Bookshelf.
- ↑ LLC, Revolvy. ""Fludrocortisone" on Revolvy.com". revolvy.com. Retrieved August 14, 2018.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Peterson, Phillip K.; Pheley, Alfred; Schroeppel, Jill; Schenck, Carlos; Marshall, Paul; Kind, Allan; Haugland, J. Mark; Lambrecht, Lawrence J.; Swan, Suzanne (April 27, 1998). "A Preliminary Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial of Fludrocortisone for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome". Archives of Internal Medicine. 158 (8): 908. doi:10.1001/archinte.158.8.908. ISSN 0003-9926.
- ↑ "Proposed Diagnostic Criteria for ME/CFS". nationalacademiesofmedicine.org. 2015.
- ↑ Wright Clayton, Ellen; Algeria, Margarita; Bateman, Lucinda; Chu, Lily; Cleeland, Charles; Davis, Ronald; Diamond, Betty; Ganiats, Theodore; Keller, Betsy (March 16, 2015). Nancy Klimas; A Martin Lerner; Cynthia Murlow; Benjamin Natelson; Peter Rowe; Michale Shelanski. "Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome". National Academy of Medicine Education: 107–119. doi:10.17226/19012 – via NAP.EDU.
- ↑ "Fludrocortisone Side Effects in Detail - Drugs.com". Drugs.com. Retrieved August 14, 2018.
- ↑ "Fludrocortisone Drug Interactions - Drugs.com". Drugs.com. Retrieved August 14, 2018.
