Therapeutic Use of Mineralocorticoid Drugs

Drugs with mineralocorticoidlike activity (aldosterone agonists) are frequently administered as replacement therapy whenever the natural production of mineralo-corticoids is impaired. Mineralocorticoid replacement is usually required in patients with chronic adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison disease), following adrenalectomy, and in other forms of adrenal cortex hypofunction. These conditions usually require both mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid replacement. 

Fludrocortisone (Florinef) is the primary aldosteronelike agent that is used in replacement therapy. This compound is chemically classified as a glucocorticoid, but it has high levels of mineralocorticoid activity and is used exclusively as a mineralocorticoid. Fludrocortisone is administered orally. 

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