In Addison's disease treated with hydrocortisone, which symptom suggests medication overtreatment?

In Addison's disease treated with hydrocortisone, which symptom suggests medication overtreatment?

• A. Fluid retention
• B. Weight loss
• C. Low blood pressure
• D. Hyperkalemia

Answer: (A)

Fluid retention signals excess corticosteroid and mineralocorticoid effects from the treatment. Hydrocortisone provides both glucocorticoid and some mineralocorticoid activity; if the dose is too high, the kidneys reabsorb more sodium and water, increasing fluid volume and leading to edema, weight gain, and sometimes higher blood pressure. These signs point to overtreatment. Weight loss would suggest under-replacement, low blood pressure would indicate inadequate adrenal support, and hyperkalemia would result from insufficient mineralocorticoid activity—not from too much therapy.

Fluid retention signals excess corticosteroid and mineralocorticoid effects from the treatment. Hydrocortisone provides both glucocorticoid and some mineralocorticoid activity; if the dose is too high, the kidneys reabsorb more sodium and water, increasing fluid volume and leading to edema, weight gain, and sometimes higher blood pressure. These signs point to overtreatment. Weight loss would suggest under-replacement, low blood pressure would indicate inadequate adrenal support, and hyperkalemia would result from insufficient mineralocorticoid activity—not from too much therapy.