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Corticosteroid Dose Converter & Equivalence Calculator

Calculate equivalent dosages for 15+ corticosteroids including Prednisone, Dexamethasone, and Hydrocortisone. Compare anti-inflammatory potency, mineralocorticoid activity, and half-life for safe tapering.

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About

Switching between corticosteroid agents requires precise calculation to maintain therapeutic efficacy while managing side effects. This calculator determines the equivalent dose based on established anti-inflammatory potency ratios relative to Hydrocortisone (the physiological standard). Accuracy in these conversions is critical during formulary substitution or tapering protocols to prevent adrenal insufficiency or steroid withdrawal syndrome.

Pharmacokinetic parameters such as biological half-life (t1/2) and mineralocorticoid activity (salt-retaining potential) differ significantly between agents. For instance, transitioning from a short-acting agent like Hydrocortisone to a long-acting, high-potency agent like Dexamethasone changes the dosing frequency and side-effect profile. This tool uses verified equivalence data to support clinical decision-making.

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Formulas

The equivalent dose is calculated using the ratio of the base equivalence values of the target and source drugs. The formula ensures that the estimated anti-inflammatory effect remains constant.

Dtarget = Dsource × EqtargetEqsource

Where:

  • D = Dosage in mg
  • Eq = Base Equivalent Dose (e.g., 5 mg for Prednisone, 0.75 mg for Dexamethasone).

Reference Data

CorticosteroidEquiv. Dose (mg)Anti-Inflammatory PotencyMineralocorticoid ActivityDuration (Hours)
Hydrocortisone20118 - 12 (Short)
Cortisone250.80.88 - 12 (Short)
Prednisone540.812 - 36 (Intermediate)
Prednisolone540.812 - 36 (Intermediate)
Methylprednisolone450.512 - 36 (Intermediate)
Triamcinolone45012 - 36 (Intermediate)
Dexamethasone0.7525036 - 72 (Long)
Betamethasone0.625036 - 72 (Long)

Frequently Asked Questions

Mineralocorticoid activity refers to the drug's ability to retain sodium and water. Switching from an agent with high activity (like Hydrocortisone) to one with zero activity (like Dexamethasone) may cause rapid fluid loss or hypotension in patients dependent on that effect. Conversely, adding mineralocorticoid activity can worsen hypertension.
No. This calculator is strictly for systemic (oral/IV) corticosteroids. Topical potency relies on vasoconstrictor assays and vehicle formulation, not the systemic base equivalence.
Biological half-life determines tissue duration of action. Short-acting steroids (8-12h) often require divided daily doses to maintain levels, while long-acting ones (36-72h) like Dexamethasone can suppress the HPA axis for days, often allowing for once-daily or alternate-day dosing.
The values are derived from standard pharmacological references such as Knoben-Anderson and Goodman & Gilman. Hydrocortisone is the physiological reference point (Potency = 1).