Fludrocortisone vs. Hydrocortisone

• Are Fludrocortisone and Hydrocortisone the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Fludrocortisone?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Hydrocortisone?
• What Is Fludrocortisone?
• What Is Hydrocortisone?
• What Drugs Interact with Fludrocortisone?
• What Drugs Interact with Hydrocortisone?
• How Should Fludrocortisone Be Taken?
• How Should Hydrocortisone Be Taken?

Fludrocortisone acetate tablets and hydrocortisone cream are corticosteroids used to treat different conditions.

Fludrocortisone is used as partial replacement therapy for primary and secondary adrenocortical insufficiency in Addison's disease and for the treatment of salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome.

Hydrocortisone cream is a topical (for the skin) medication used to treat inflammation of the skin caused by a number of conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, or psoriasis.

Common side effects of Fludrocortisone include:

• high blood pressure,
• swelling,
• enlarged heart,
• congestive heart failure,
• potassium loss,
• muscle weakness,
• osteoporosis,
• fractures,
• peptic ulcer,
• pancreatitis,
• abdominal distention,
• slow wound healing,
• thin fragile skin,
• bruising,
• red spots on the skin, and bruising,
• facial redness,
• increased sweating,
• stretch marks,
• discoloration of the skin and nails,
• excess hair growth,
• acne,
• hives,
• convulsions,
• vertigo,
• headache,
• menstrual irregularities,
• cataracts,
• glaucoma,
• high blood sugar, and
• allergic skin rash.

Common side effects of Hydrocortisone include:

• skin redness/burning/itching/peeling,
• thinning of your skin,
• blistering skin,
• stretch marks,
• nausea,
• heartburn,
• headache,
• dizziness,
• menstrual period changes,
• trouble sleeping (insomnia),
• increased sweating, or
• acne.

Tell your doctor if you have any serious side effects of Hydrocortisone Cream including blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights, uneven heartbeats, weight gain, puffiness in your face, or feeling tired.

Fludrocortisone acetate tablets are an adrenocortical steroid indicated as partial replacement therapy for primary and secondary adrenocortical insufficiency in Addison's disease and for the treatment of salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome.

Hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone) Cream 2.5% is a topical (for the skin) steroid used to treat inflammation of the skin caused by a number of conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, or psoriasis.

Fludrocortisone may interact with amphotericin B, potassium-depleting diuretics, digitalis glycosides, oral anticoagulants, antidiabetic drugs (oral agents and insulin), aspirin, barbiturates, phenytoin, rifampin, anabolic steroids, vaccines, and estrogen.

It is not likely other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied hydrocortisone. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use. During pregnancy, hydrocortisone should be used only when prescribed. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for an extended period of time may have hormone problems.

Dosage of fludrocortisone depends on the severity of the disease and the response of the patient. The usual dose is 0.1 mg of fludrocortisone acetate daily.

Dose and administration: Apply hydrocortisone cream to the affected area as a thin film 2 to 4 times daily depending on the severity of the condition.