Table. Immunosuppressive potential of corticosteriods
| Licensed indication(s) | Dosagea | Overall immunosuppressive potential | Mechanism of action | Half-life (mean) | Duration of immunosuppression |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple autoinflammatory, oncological, endocrinological and atopic indications |
(infants and children <10 kg: <1 mg/kg/day for <28 days)
(infants and children <10 kg: <2 mg/kg/day for <14 days) |
Mild | Broad anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects | 8–72 hours (varies by formulation) | Immune recovery is generally quick after therapy ends |
| ≥10 to <20 mg/day for <14 days (infants and children <10 kg: ≥1 to <2 mg/kg/day for <14 days) | Moderate | Broad anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects | 8–72 hours (varies by formulation) | Immune recovery is generally quick after therapy ends | |
| ≥20 mg/day for ≥14 days over a month (infants and children <10 kg: ≥2 mg/kg/day for children ≥14 days) | Severe | Broad anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects | 8–72 hours (varies by formulation) | Immune recovery is generally quick after therapy ends | |
|
Footnotes: a Prednisolone-equivalent dosing. Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Furthermore, the underlying disease for which the medication is prescribed, and concomitant immunosuppressant use, may alter this categorisation. For further information regarding the immunosuppressive potential of underlying conditions, please also consider Table. Immunosuppressive potential of certain medical conditions. |
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