Steroid Conversion

Convert between corticosteroid preparations for dose equivalence. Used when switching steroids or calculating stress dosing.

Indication

Convert between corticosteroid preparations for dose equivalence. Used when switching steroids or calculating stress dosing.

id: from; label: Current Steroid; type: options; options: value: hydrocortisone; label: Hydrocortisone; value: cortisone; label: Cortisone; value: prednisone; label: Prednisone; value: prednisolone; label: Prednisolone; value: methylprednisolone; label: Methylprednisolone; value: triamcinolone; label: Triamcinolone; value: dexamethasone; label: Dexamethasone; value: betamethasone; label: Betamethasone
id: dose; label: Current Dose (mg); type: number; placeholder: e.g. 20
id: to; label: Convert To; type: options; options: value: hydrocortisone; label: Hydrocortisone; value: cortisone; label: Cortisone; value: prednisone; label: Prednisone; value: prednisolone; label: Prednisolone; value: methylprednisolone; label: Methylprednisolone; value: triamcinolone; label: Triamcinolone; value: dexamethasone; label: Dexamethasone; value: betamethasone; label: Betamethasone

Dexamethasone has no mineralocorticoid activity — preferred when fluid retention is a concern
Betamethasone and dexamethasone cross the placenta and are used for fetal lung maturity
HPA axis suppression occurs after >3 weeks of supraphysiologic dosing — never stop abruptly; taper
Equivalence is for anti-inflammatory potency — it does not account for differing durations of action

Sapolsky RM et al. Endocrine Rev 2000; UpToDate Glucocorticoid dosing. Last reviewed: 2025-01-01