Relative Potencies and Equivalent Doses of CorticosteroidsNew Page 1
RELATIVE
POTENCIES AND EQUIVALENT DOSES OF CORTICOSTEROIDS
Glucocorticoid
Approx. Equiv.
Dose* Potency
Relative Anti-Inflam.
Potency
Relative
Sodium Retaining
Duration
of Action T 1/2 (hrs)
Short-acting (S)
Cortisone
25
0.8
0.8
8-12
Hydrocortisone
20
1
1
8-12
Intermediate-acting (I)
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
Long-acting (L)
Betamethasone
0.6
30
0
36-54
Dexamethasone
0.6
25
0
36-54
*These dose relationships
apply only to oral or intravenous administration; relative potencies may
differ greatly when injected intramuscularly into joint spaces.