Preparations and dose equivalence

Doses

Corticosteroid

Approximate equivalent anti-inflammatory dose of oral corticosteroids*

Corticosteroid

Followed by their approximate equivalent anti-inflammatory dose of oral corticosteroids*

Dexamethasone

750 micrograms

Prednisolone

5 mg

Hydrocortisone

20 mg

*(N.B. this chart dose not reflect the mineralocorticoid actions of these drugs)

Preparations

Corticosteroid

Preparations

Corticosteroid and their preperations

Dexamethasone

Oral tablets: 0.5mg, 2mg, 4mg
Oral soluble tablets: 2mg, 4mg, 8mg, 10mg, 20mg
Oral suspension: Dexamethasone 2mg in 5ml, 10mg/5ml
Injection: Dexamethasone or dexamethasone phosphate (as dexamethasone sodium phosphate) 3.3mg/1ml, 6.6mg/2ml, 3.8mg/ml 1ml ampoules

Prednisolone

Oral tablets: 1mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 25mg, 30mg
Soluble tablets: 5mg,
Enteric coated tablets: 2.5mg, 5mg
Oral solution: 5mg/5ml, 10mg/ml
Suppositories: prednisolone 5mg (Predsol)
Rectal foam: prednisolone (as metasulphobenzoate)
20mg/metered application: 14 applications
Retention enemas: Predsol retention enema 20mg (as sodium phosphate) in 100ml. Prednisolone retention enema, 20mg (as sodium metasulphobenzoate) in 100ml

Hydrocortisone

Oral tablets: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg
Soluble tablets: 10mg
Oral MR tablets: 5mg, 20mg
Oral MR capsules: 5mg, 20mg
Mucoadhesive buccal tablets: 2.5mg
Injection: hydrocortisone 100mg/ml 1ml amp
Powder for injection: 100mg

Disclaimer

This Guide is intended for use by healthcare professionals and the expectation is that they will use clinical judgement, medical, and nursing knowledge in applying the general principles and recommendations contained within. They are not meant to replace the many available texts on the subject of palliative care.

Some of the management strategies describe the use of drugs outside their licensed indications. They are, however, established and accepted good practice. Please refer to the current BNF for further guidance.

While WMPCPS takes every care to compile accurate information , we cannot guarantee its correctness and completeness and it is subject to change. We do not accept responsibility for any loss, damage or expense resulting from the use of this information.