Glucocorticoid Equivalence & Dosage Calculator
Convert between systemic corticosteroids (Prednisone, Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone) while maintaining anti-inflammatory equivalence.
*Always verify calculated doses with clinical judgment.
About
Switching between corticosteroids is a routine but high-stakes task in clinical practice. The primary challenge lies in the variations of biological half-life, mineralocorticoid activity (salt-retention), and anti-inflammatory potency. For instance, Dexamethasone lacks mineralocorticoid activity but has a long biological half-life, making it biologically distinct from Hydrocortisone, which closely mimics endogenous cortisol.
This tool ensures therapeutic continuity during drug transitions. It uses the standard equivalency ratios accepted in pharmacology. Accuracy is paramount here. An incorrect conversion can lead to adrenal crisis (under-dosing) or Cushingoid side effects (over-dosing). This calculator normalizes dosages against a Hydrocortisone baseline to derive the precise equivalent volume for the target agent.
Formulas
Calculation relies on linear proportionality relative to the standardized equivalent base doses (Base). The formula to find the TargetDose is:
Where Base represents the amount of drug equivalent to 20 mg of Hydrocortisone. For example, if converting from Prednisone (Base = 5) to Dexamethasone (Base = 0.75):
Reference Data
| Drug | Equiv. Dose (mg) | Anti-inflam. Potency | Mineralo. Potency | Half-life (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrocortisone | 20 | 1 | 1 | 8 - 12 |
| Prednisone | 5 | 4 | 0.8 | 12 - 36 |
| Prednisolone | 5 | 4 | 0.8 | 12 - 36 |
| Methylprednisolone | 4 | 5 | 0.5 | 12 - 36 |
| Triamcinolone | 4 | 5 | 0 | 12 - 36 |
| Dexamethasone | 0.75 | 25 | 0 | 36 - 72 |
| Betamethasone | 0.6 | 25 - 30 | 0 | 36 - 72 |