Fludrocortisone Acetate and Opium

• Generic Name: fludrocortisone
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Florinef Acetate

Used for oral mineralocorticoid replacement therapy; use is contraindicated in all conditions except those that require a high degree of mineralocorticoid activity.

Partial replacement therapy, in combination with hydrocortisone or cortisone, for treatment of primary and secondary adrenocortical insufficiency in Addison’s disease after electrolyte balance has been restored.

Hydrocortisone or cortisone (in conjunction with liberal salt intake) usually is the corticosteroid of choice for replacement therapy; concomitant administration of fludrocortisone may be required in some patients.

Treatment of salt-losing congenital adrenogenital syndrome after electrolyte balance has been restored.

Has been used with some success to increase SBP and DBP in patients with severe, chronic postural hypotension (e.g., secondary to autonomic dysfunction, levodopa therapy) that does not respond adequately to nondrug therapy.

• Generic Name: opium
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Opium Deodorized, Paregoric

Opium tincture is used to treat diarrhea. Opium belongs to the group of medicines called narcotics.

When a narcotic is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if treatment is stopped suddenly. However, severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time before treatment is stopped completely.

Opium is available only with your doctor's prescription.