Table 2 Classification and comparison of the major systemically used glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoid | Equivalent dose (mg) | Anti-inflammatory potency* | Salt retention* | Suppressive HPA potency* | Biological half-life (h) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hydrocortisone | 20 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8–12 | Short |
Cortisone | 25 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 1 | 8–12 | Short |
Prednisolone | 5 | 4 | 0.8 | 1 | 12–36 | Intermediate |
Prednisone | 5 | 4 | 0.8 | 1 | 12–36 | Intermediate |
Methylprednisolone | 4 | 4–5 | 0.2–0.5 | 5 | 12–36 | Intermediate |
Triamcinolone | 4 | 5–10 | 0 | 5 | 12–36 | Intermediate |
Dexamethasone | 0.75 | 25 | 0 | 50 | 36–72 | Long |
Betamethasone | 0.75 | 25 | 0 | 50 | 36–72 | Long |