Master Fludrocortisone with Picmonic for Medicine

Fludrocortisone is an analog of endogenous aldosterone. Aldosterone acts primarily in the renal collecting ducts to stimulate reabsorption of Na⁺ and secretion of K⁺ and H⁺. This will lead to an increase in blood pressure.

Fludrocortisone is used to treat Addison’s disease (primary adrenal insufficiency). In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone; thus, replacement therapy with fludrocortisone is indicated.

Fludrocortisone is used to treat congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). This disease describes a group of autosomal recessive disorders which involve the impairment of cortisol synthesis. Therefore, cortisol and aldosterone will be decreased and replacement is indicated.

Long term use of fludrocortisone may lead to Cushing's syndrome which is a disorder caused by hypercortisolism. This is because fludrocortisone also has glucocorticoid effects that are 10-15x more potent than hydrocortisone. The symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome include weight gain, increased fatty deposits, moon-shaped facies, and fatigue.

Fludrocortisone can cause the retention of high amounts of sodium which leads to an increase in water retention. This can then lead to edema.

Fludrocortisone can worsen the state of congestive heart failure in patients due to the action of aldosterone which increases blood pressure and retains fluid.

Fludrocortisone may cause hyperpigmentation of the skin and nails.