Addison's disease medical therapy

Addison's disease Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Addison's disease from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X Ray
CT
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Addison's disease medical therapy On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Addison's disease medical therapy All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Addison's disease medical therapy
CDC on Addison's disease medical therapy
Addison's disease medical therapy in the news
Blogs on Addison's disease medical therapy
Directions to Hospitals Treating Addison's disease
Risk calculators and risk factors for Addison's disease medical therapy

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Medical Therapy

Maintenance treatment

Treatment for Addison's disease involves replacing the missing cortisol (usually in the form of hydrocortisone tablets) in a dosing regimen that mimics the physiological concentrations of cortisol. Treatment must usually be continued for life. In addition, many patients require fludrocortisone as replacement for the missing aldosterone. Caution must be exercised when the person with Addison's disease becomes unwell, has surgery or becomes pregnant. Medication may need to be increased during times of stress, infection, or injury.

Addisonian crisis

Treatment for an acute attack, an Addisonian crisis, usually involves intravenous (into blood veins) injections of:

• Cortisone (cortisol)
• Saline solution (basically a salt water, same clear IV bag as used to treat dehydration)
• Glucose

Pregnancy

Many women with Addison's have given birth successfully and without complication, both through natural labor and through cesarean delivery. Both of these methods will require different preventative measures relating to Addison's medications and dosages. Thorough communication with one's primary care physician is the best course of action. Occasionally, oral intake of medications will cause debilitating nausea and vomiting, and thus the woman may be switched to injected medications until delivery. Addison's treatments are generally considered safe for the baby during pregnancy.