The metabolic effects of a new substituted steroid, 2-methyl-9-alpha-fluorhydrocortisone, in man

2-Methyl-9α-fluorohydrocortisone has potent mineralocorticoid and adrenocortical-suppressing activity.

A single oral dose of 0·1 mg lowered the urinary Na/K ratio, causing Na retention and K loss. There was an eosinophilia and a fall in plasma 17-hydroxycorticoids and in urinary 17-oxosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticoids. These effects lasted 24–36 hr, after which time there was a Na diuresis and the values returned to normal.

Doses of 0·3 mg, repeated for 3 days, enhanced these effects, with accompanying oedema and hypokalaemia. No significant effects on carbohydrate or protein metabolism were observed.

The dangers and possible uses of the compound are discussed.