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Compare Fludrocortisone vs. Hydrocortisone

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Fludrocortisone (generic name) and topical hydrocortisone (generic name) are both corticosteroids but are used for different purposes. Fludrocortisone is taken orally and is primarily used to treat conditions like Addison's disease and congenital adrenal hyperplasia by maintaining the balance of sodium, potassium, and water in your body. It is typically taken once daily and can cause side effects like high blood pressure and swelling. On the other hand, topical hydrocortisone is used topically to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rashes. It comes in various forms like creams, ointments, and lotions, and can be found over-the-counter in lower strengths or by prescription in higher strengths. There are also oral and injectable forms used to treat other conditions. While fludrocortisone is only available as a generic, hydrocortisone is available both as a generic and under several brand names like Locoid and Pandel. Hydrocortisone is applied multiple times a day and can cause skin irritation and thinning if used for too long. Both medications require careful use to avoid withdrawal symptoms and other side effects.

  • Fludrocortisone
    Topical hydrocortisone
  • Fludrocortisone
    Topical hydrocortisone

  • Summary of Fludrocortisone vs. Hydrocortisone

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Fludrocortisone acetate is a corticosteroid. It's used to treat conditions where the body doesn't make enough of certain hormones, such as Addison's disease, in adults. Fludrocortisone is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some side effects of this medication include high blood pressure and swelling from fluids. If you need to stop fludrocortisone, your provider will help lower your dose slowly over time to help avoid withdrawal symptoms. It's available as a lower-cost generic tablet.

    Summary for Corticosteroid

    Topical hydrocortisone is a steroid medication used to treat different skin conditions, such as eczema. It's available in many different formulations, including cream, ointment, lotion, and solution. Some strengths are found over the counter (e.g., hydrocortisone 1%), while you need a prescription for others (e.g., hydrocortisone 2.5%). In general, most people experience few to no side effects while using topical hydrocortisone as directed. Rarely, topical hydrocortisone might cause topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). Watch out for skin rashes and irritations that get worse after stopping this medication.

  • Indications of Fludrocortisone vs. Hydrocortisone

    Indications for
    •Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency)
    •Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (a genetic condition that affects hormone production)
    Indications for

    Short-term relief of skin irritations (e.g., itching) due to:

    •Skin inflammation
    •Skin rashes
    •Eczema
    •Psoriasis
    •Insect bites
    •Poison ivy or oak
    •Skin allergies
    •Dry scalp
    •Genital or rectal irritation

  • Pros and Cons of Fludrocortisone vs. Hydrocortisone

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •A first-choice treatment option for primary adrenal insufficiency
    •Available in a lower-cost generic form
    •Usually only taken once per day
    Cons
    •Need to taper dose before stopping completely
    •Can cause weight gain
    •Not FDA-approved for use in children
    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    •Available over the counter
    •Many formulations to choose from, such as ointment, cream, and solution
    Cons
    •Short-term use only, otherwise it might cause skin thinning and high blood sugar
    •Applied multiple times a day
    •Might affect your body's ability to fight off infections

  • Common Side Effects of Fludrocortisone vs. Hydrocortisone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling from fluid buildup in the body
    •High blood pressure
    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning
    •Itching
    •Skin irritation
    •Dry skin
    •Inflamed hair follicles

  • Warnings of Fludrocortisone vs. Hydrocortisone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher blood pressure and swelling
    •Weakening of bones
    •Poor adrenal gland function
    •Greater risk of infections
    •Eye problems
    •Mood and behavior changes
    •Stomach problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Hormone problems and withdrawal
    •High blood sugar
    •New or worsened skin infection
    •Skin problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Fludrocortisone vs. Hydrocortisone

    Learn more about Fludrocortisone
    Learn more about Topical hydrocortisone

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