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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
1

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
PO
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
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
0.2 mg
Duration: Lifelong

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

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.

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.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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 →