What medication is typically administered daily to a patient with Addison's disease?

Prepare for the Adrenocortical Agents Test with our comprehensive quiz, featuring flashcards, multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Ace your exam effortlessly!

In the management of Addison's disease, which is characterized by insufficient production of adrenal hormones, particularly cortisol, the administration of corticosteroids is essential for mimicking the missing hormonal activity. Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid commonly used to replace this deficiency.

Patients with Addison's disease typically require daily doses of prednisone to help maintain adrenal function and to prevent the symptoms associated with adrenal insufficiency, such as fatigue, weight loss, and low blood pressure. By providing a consistent source of cortisol, prednisone helps to manage these symptoms effectively and ensures that the body's metabolic and stress response functions are adequately supported.

The other medications listed do not serve this primary role. Warfarin is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots, Apresoline is a vasodilator that treats high blood pressure, and hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic used mainly for hypertension and fluid retention. None of these options address the hormonal deficiency present in Addison's disease, making prednisone the correct choice for daily administration in patients with this condition.

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