TREATMENT DATABASE
Florinef (fludrocortisone) is a synthetic corticosteroid. It is primarily used to treat patients with Addison's disease, a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient adrenal steroids. Florinef is also a first-line treatment for orthostatic intolerance; it helps the body retain salt which otherwise would be passed in the urine. Because it has mineralocorticoid activity, its effects are limited to regulation of electrolyte and water balance. Like other corticosteroids, Florinef will raise blood sugar levels.
USES IN ME/CFS: Florinef received considerable attention as a potential ME/CFS medication as the direct result of a highly publicized Johns Hopkins study of neurally mediated hypotension (NMH). In NMH, sudden decreases in blood pressure leads to fainting (syncope), light-headedness, trouble concentrating, and dizziness. As nearly all of the ME/CFS patients in the Johns Hopkins study tested positive for NMH, researchers have been hopeful about treatments that would address this particular symptom. Florinef, because of its ability to increase sodium retention, helps to raise blood pressure. In so doing, many symptoms associated with decreased blood pressure can be relieved.
| Rating | Side Effects | Reason for Treatment | Dosage / Duration | Age | Sex M/F | # of years Ill | Additional Comments | Illness Severity | Date Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | None | Postural Orthostatic Tacchycardia Syndrome | 3 year 0.2 mg 1X day | 53 | Female | 4 | Initially, Florinef worked fine along with increasing fluid and salt intake and wearing compression clothing. Later, my POTS got worse and I needed to try other things in addition. Some worked, some did not. | Moderate/Severe | 06/20/18 |
| 4 | None | POTS as evidenced by tilt table and NASA lean test. | 3 year 0.2-0.3mg 1X day | 53 | Female | 4 | Florinef was less effective over time. I tried other meds, eventually finding that Desmopressin at night and Florinef in the morning is the best combination. | Moderate/Severe | 06/20/18 |