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Fludrocortisone

Prescription

Mineralocorticoid + Glucocorticoid

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

2 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Synthetic adrenocortical steroid with potent mineralocorticoid activity (sodium retention, potassium excretion) and moderate glucocorticoid activity; replaces both aldosterone and cortisol in adrenal insufficiency

At a glance

Class

Mineralocorticoid + Glucocorticoid

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Below 25°C, protect from light and moisture

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease) — oral mineralocorticoid replacement

Dose

0.01–0.02 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

SID to BID

Max dose

1 mg

Duration: Lifelong; titrate dose based on electrolytes

🐈

Cat

Hypoadrenocorticism (rare in cats)

Dose

0.1–0.2 mg/cat

Route

Frequency

SID

Max dose

0.2 mg

Duration: Lifelong

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 1

Strength

0.1mg

Storage

Below 25°C, protect from light and moisture

Safety

Use with caution

Congestive heart failure
Sodium and water retention
Systemic fungal infections
Glucocorticoid component may worsen

Adverse effects

Common

PU/PD

Polyphagia

Weight gain

Serious

Hypokalemia

Edema

Hypertension

Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome

Monitoring parameters

Serum Na+ and K+Blood pressureBody weightBUN/CreatinineSigns of glucocorticoid excess

Educational reference only

Interactions

Major — 1

Meloxicam

major

Fludrocortisone has both mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid activity. NSAID + corticosteroid: GI ulceration risk.

Management: Avoid concurrent NSAIDs with fludrocortisone. Use non-NSAID analgesic.

Moderate — 1

Furosemide

moderate

Pharmacologically opposing: fludrocortisone retains sodium/water (mineralocorticoid); furosemide promotes sodium/water excretion. Also both cause potassium loss — additive hypokalemia risk.

Management: Combination is contradictory in most situations. Monitor electrolytes if both genuinely needed. Watch for hypokalemia.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Florinef

Bristol-Myers Squibb

India

Florinef

Various (import)

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Fludrocortisone?

Fludrocortisone is a mineralocorticoid + glucocorticoid used in pets. Synthetic adrenocortical steroid with potent mineralocorticoid activity (sodium retention, potassium excretion) and moderate glucocorticoid activity; replaces both aldosterone and cortisol in adrenal insufficiency

›What is Fludrocortisone used for in pets?

Fludrocortisone is used in veterinary medicine for: Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease) — oral mineralocorticoid replacement; Hypoadrenocorticism (rare in cats).

›What is the Fludrocortisone dose for dogs?

For dogs, Fludrocortisone is typically dosed as follows — Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease) — oral mineralocorticoid replacement: 0.01–0.02 mg/kg PO SID to BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Fludrocortisone dose for cats?

For cats, Fludrocortisone is typically dosed as follows — Hypoadrenocorticism (rare in cats): 0.1–0.2 mg/cat PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Fludrocortisone?

Common: PU/PD, Polyphagia, Weight gain. Serious (call your vet immediately): Hypokalemia, Edema, Hypertension, Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome.

›Does Fludrocortisone need a prescription?

Yes. Fludrocortisone is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database