Anti-inflammatory activity relative to prednisolone activitya
Approximate equivalent dose (mg) relative to prednisolone
Duration of action (hours)
Short-acting glucocorticoids
Hydrocortisone
0.25
4
8–12
Cortisone acetate
0.2
5
8–12
Intermediate-acting glucocorticoids
Prednisone
1
1
12–36
Prednisolone
1
1
12–36
Methylprednisolone
1.25
0.8
12–36
Triamcinolone
1.25
0.8
12–36
Long-acting glucocorticoids
Dexamethasone
7.5
0.15
36–72
Betamethasone
7.5
0.15
36–72
Mineralocorticoids
Fludrocortisone
Although fludrocortisone at clinically relevant doses is not regarded as an anti-inflammatory agent, its anti-inflammatory potency is 2.5 to 3.75 times that of prednisolone
na
12–36
Acronyms used:
na = not applicable
Footnotes:
a Equivalent anti-inflammatory dose shown is for oral or intravenous administration.
Source: Table adapted from Furst and Saag, 2023, Determinants of glucocorticoid dosing.7
