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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffAll treatment for Addison's disease involves hormone replacement therapy to correct the levels of steroid hormones your body isn't producing. Some options for treatment include:
- Oral corticosteroids. Your doctor may prescribe fludrocortisones (Florinef) to replaces aldosterone. Hydrocortisone (Cortef), prednisone or cortisone acetate may be used to replace cortisol.
- Corticosteroid injections. If you're ill with vomiting and can't retain oral medications, injections are an option.
- Androgen replacement therapy. To treat androgen deficiency in women, dehydroepiandrosterone can be prescribed. Some studies suggest that this therapy may improve overall sense of well-being, libido and sexual satisfaction.
An ample intake of sodium is recommended, especially during heavy exercise, when the weather is hot, or if you have gastrointestinal upsets, such as diarrhea. Your doctor will also suggest a temporary increase in your dosage if you're facing a stressful situation, such as an operation, an infection or a minor illness.
Addisonian crisis
An addisonian crisis is a life-threatening situation that results in low blood pressure, low blood levels of sugar and high blood levels of potassium. This situation requires immediate medical care. Treatment typically includes intravenous injections of:
- Hydrocortisone
- Saline solution
- Sugar (dextrose)
- Adrenal insufficiency and Addison's disease. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Health and Kidney Disease. http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/addison/addisons.pdf. Accessed March 15, 2010.
- Addison's disease. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://merck.com/mmpe/sec12/ch153/ch153b.html#sec12-ch153-ch153b-397. Accessed March 15, 2010.
- Williams GH, et al. Disorders of the adrenal cortex. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2900293&searchStr=addison's+disease#2900293. Accessed March 14, 2010.
- Nieman LK. Clinical manifestations of adrenal insufficiency in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 14, 2010.
- Nieman LK. Causes of primary adrenal insufficiency in adults (Addison's disease). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 14, 2010.
- Nippoldt TB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 17, 2010.
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