Fludrocortisone therapy for hypercalcemia.

A patient with mild hypercalcemia associated with adenocarcinoma of the lung was treated with fludrocortisone, a synthetic mineralocorticoid. Hypercalcemia resolved during therapy in conjunction with sodium retention and increased weight. Volume expansion and weight gain were highly correlated with decreases in the serum calcium level. Augmented urinary calcium excretion was documented in the first week of therapy and is the likely mechanism for the observed lowering of serum calcium levels. Long-term fludrocortisone therapy was not associated with signs of hyperaldosteronism and appears to be an effective means of controlling mild hypercalcemia.