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What Causes Low Pulse Rate Despite Taking Cortef Hydrocortisone?

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Posted on Mon, 3 Apr 2017
Question: I have XXXXXXX desease 33yrs Now I have Low TisH & I"m now taking Synthroid I am now taking75mg at 6AM Then I eat my breakfast & take 10mg of Cortef Hydrocortisone. But I get a low Pulse Rate . Then I Take 10mg more of cortef. This makes me taking more than subscribed.
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Answered by Dr. Elona (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
In my opinion, the new dose is necessary for you.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I read carefully your question and understood your concern.

Addison's disease is a disorder that occurs when your body produces insufficient amounts of certain hormones produced by your adrenal glands.

In Addison's disease, your adrenal glands produce too little cortisol and often insufficient levels of aldosterone as well.

Hormone Replacement of both glucocorticoids (and sometimes even mineralocorticoids) are necessary to replace hormones that your adrenal glands are not making and is vital to improve your health.

I want to remind you that these medications will be taken for the rest of your life and you cannot miss a dose (it can be dangerous).

The recommended dose of glucocorticoid replacement therapy for hydrocortisone is 15 to 20 mg/day. So, don't worry if you take 20 mg Cortef Hydrocortisone. This dose is necessary for the moment.

Your low pulse rate can be a symptom that indicates maybe 10mg of Cortef Hydrocortisone is not enough for the moment. I'm sure your pulse will normalize with 20 mg Hydrocortisone (Let me know if you have the same problem with the new dose).

Sometimes, a more satisfactory response may be obtained by splitting the total daily dose of hydrocortisone into smaller doses and spreading them over shorter intervals.For example 10 mg morning/5 mg lunch /5 mg afternoon or dinner.I Can't say if this is necessary for you because i don't know your medical history but i'd suggest to discuss with your endocrinologist about the right dose and if it is necessary to divide the total dose in smaller doses in your case.

My advises for you are:

- Keep an emergency kit that contains your medications on hand at all times.
- Ask your doctor to write a prescription for an injectable corticosteroid for emergencies.
- You may also want to keep a medical alert card in your wallet and a bracelet on your wrist to let others know about your condition.
- Do discuss with your doctor about alternative ways to relieve stress because stress affect the way you respond to your medications and can be dangerous for you.

Hope i have clarified your doubts.
If you have other questions,feel free and ask.
I will be happy to help.
Take care.

Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Elona

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 941 Questions

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What Causes Low Pulse Rate Despite Taking Cortef Hydrocortisone?

Brief Answer: In my opinion, the new dose is necessary for you. Detailed Answer: Hello, I read carefully your question and understood your concern. Addison's disease is a disorder that occurs when your body produces insufficient amounts of certain hormones produced by your adrenal glands. In Addison's disease, your adrenal glands produce too little cortisol and often insufficient levels of aldosterone as well. Hormone Replacement of both glucocorticoids (and sometimes even mineralocorticoids) are necessary to replace hormones that your adrenal glands are not making and is vital to improve your health. I want to remind you that these medications will be taken for the rest of your life and you cannot miss a dose (it can be dangerous). The recommended dose of glucocorticoid replacement therapy for hydrocortisone is 15 to 20 mg/day. So, don't worry if you take 20 mg Cortef Hydrocortisone. This dose is necessary for the moment. Your low pulse rate can be a symptom that indicates maybe 10mg of Cortef Hydrocortisone is not enough for the moment. I'm sure your pulse will normalize with 20 mg Hydrocortisone (Let me know if you have the same problem with the new dose). Sometimes, a more satisfactory response may be obtained by splitting the total daily dose of hydrocortisone into smaller doses and spreading them over shorter intervals.For example 10 mg morning/5 mg lunch /5 mg afternoon or dinner.I Can't say if this is necessary for you because i don't know your medical history but i'd suggest to discuss with your endocrinologist about the right dose and if it is necessary to divide the total dose in smaller doses in your case. My advises for you are: - Keep an emergency kit that contains your medications on hand at all times. - Ask your doctor to write a prescription for an injectable corticosteroid for emergencies. - You may also want to keep a medical alert card in your wallet and a bracelet on your wrist to let others know about your condition. - Do discuss with your doctor about alternative ways to relieve stress because stress affect the way you respond to your medications and can be dangerous for you. Hope i have clarified your doubts. If you have other questions,feel free and ask. I will be happy to help. Take care.