Final answer:
The complete name of the medication is Fludrocortisone acetate, which is a corticosteroid used primarily to treat conditions like Addison's disease. It is not a diuretic, but rather helps the body retain sodium and water.
Step-by-step explanation:
The name of the medication you are asking about is Fludrocortisone acetate. Both names, Fludrocortisone and Florinef acetate, refer to the same medication, but combining the generic name and the chemical salt form gives the complete name: Fludrocortisone acetate. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids, which are used to treat conditions such as Addison's disease and salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome by mimicking the effects of the body's natural hormones.
It is worth noting that Fludrocortisone is not a diuretic like the other medications listed such as Chlorothiazide (Diuril) or Furosemide (Lasix) which are typically used to help the body eliminate excess fluid. Instead, Fludrocortisone exerts its primary action on the kidneys to hold onto sodium and water, which also helps to regulate blood pressure. The medication is structurally similar to the glucocorticoids you mentioned, such as prednisone and hydrocortisone, and like them, it can affect the immune system, although its primary influence is on the mineralocorticoid receptors.