Aldocort Tablet

Introduction

Aldocort Tablet 0.10 mg is a synthetic corticosteroid with potent mineralocorticoid properties. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as Addison's disease and other disorders related to low corticosteroid levels, where it helps regulate salt and water balance in the body.

Uses

Aldocort Tablet 0.10 mg is primarily used to treat adrenal insufficiency conditions like Addison's disease and salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome. It helps control sodium loss, increase potassium excretion, and maintain fluid balance.

Brand Name	Aldocort
Type	Tablet
Weight	0.10 mg
Generic	Fludrocortisone Acetate
Manufacturer	Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Available in	English বাংলা

Mechanism of Action

Aldocort Tablet 0.10 mg mimics the effects of endogenous aldosterone by acting on the distal tubules of the kidneys. It promotes sodium retention, potassium excretion, and water retention, thus maintaining blood pressure and fluid balance.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Fludrocortisone typically begins working within a few hours of administration. The full therapeutic effects in treating adrenal insufficiency or managing blood pressure and electrolyte levels may be noticed within a few days.

Absorption

Aldocort Tablet 0.10 mg is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. It has high bioavailability, allowing it to exert its effects quickly.

Route of Elimination

Fludrocortisone is metabolized by the liver and excreted in the urine. Both unchanged drug and metabolites are eliminated primarily through renal excretion.

Dosage

Primary and secondary Adrenocortical Insufficiency in Addison’s disease: Usual dose may range from 0.2 mg 3 times weekly to 0.2 mg daily. If hypertension occurs, reduce dosage to 0.05 mg daily. Administer concomitantly with Cortisone or hydrocortisone.

Salt-Losing Adrenogenital Syndrome: 0.1 to 0.2 mg/day.

Postural Hypotension: 0.1-0.4 mg daily to diabetic patients with postural hypotension; 0.05-0.2 mg daily to patients with postural hypotension secondary to Levodopa therapy.

The typical dosage ranges from 0.05 to 0.2 mg orally per day, depending on the patient's condition and response to therapy. Dosages are often tailored individually based on blood pressure, electrolyte levels, and clinical response.

Administration

Aldocort Tablet 0.10 mg is administered orally in tablet form. It is usually taken once daily, ideally in the morning to mimic the body's natural hormone cycle.

Side Effects

Potential side effects include:

Hypertension (high blood pressure).
Edema (swelling).
Hypokalemia (low potassium levels).
Headache and dizziness.
Gastrointestinal discomfort.
Skin rash or allergic reactions.

Toxicity

In case of overdose, symptoms such as excessive sodium retention, fluid overload, hypokalemia, and hypertension may occur. Severe toxicity may lead to congestive heart failure or electrolyte imbalances.

Precautions

Patients with conditions such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, renal impairment, or those at risk of electrolyte imbalances should use fludrocortisone with caution. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and electrolyte levels is essential.

Interaction

Fludrocortisone may interact with diuretics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and other medications that affect electrolyte balance. Potassium-wasting diuretics may increase the risk of hypokalemia.

Disease Interaction

Use with caution in patients with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, or renal impairment. It may exacerbate these conditions due to its effects on blood pressure and electrolyte balance.

Drug Interaction

Significant drug interactions include increased risk of hypokalemia when used with potassium-depleting diuretics (e.g., furosemide) or amphotericin B. Concurrent use of NSAIDs may enhance sodium retention and reduce the efficacy of antihypertensive drugs.

Food Interactions

There are no specific food interactions, but patients should maintain a stable intake of sodium in their diet to avoid fluctuations in blood pressure and electrolyte levels.

Pregnancy Use

Aldocort Tablet 0.10 mg should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Corticosteroids can cross the placenta, and long-term use may affect fetal development.

Lactation Use

Corticosteroids, including fludrocortisone, may be excreted in breast milk. Caution should be exercised when administering fludrocortisone to breastfeeding mothers, and the benefits should outweigh the risks.

Acute Overdose

Acute overdose of fludrocortisone may result in symptoms such as fluid retention, hypertension, hypokalemia, and arrhythmias. Treatment includes stopping the medication and providing supportive care to manage the electrolyte and cardiovascular effects.

Contraindication

Aldocort Tablet 0.10 mg is contraindicated in patients with systemic fungal infections and those with hypersensitivity to any of its components. Caution is advised in individuals with serious infections or conditions that may worsen with corticosteroid use.

Use Direction

Aldocort Tablet 0.10 mg should be taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider. The tablet should be taken with water, and the dosage should not be adjusted without medical advice.

Storage Conditions

Store fludrocortisone at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep it out of reach of children and do not expose it to direct sunlight.

Volume of Distribution

Fludrocortisone has a moderate volume of distribution, indicating that it is widely distributed throughout the body, including the kidneys, where it exerts its effects on electrolyte balance.

Half Life

The half-life of fludrocortisone in plasma is approximately 3.5 hours, but its effects on electrolyte balance may last longer due to its sustained action in the kidneys.

Clearance

Fludrocortisone is cleared from the body primarily by the kidneys. Renal clearance is a significant route of elimination for both the parent drug and its metabolites.

See in details version Aldocort Tablet 0.10 mg also Aldocort Tablet 0.10 mg in bangla