Table 1.

Informational corticosteroid conversion and COPD exacerbation management quick facts pocket card distributed to physicians at educational sessions.

Agent	Equivalent dose (mg)	AI potency	Classification
Hydrocortisone	20	1	Short to medium acting GC
Cortisone	25	0.8	Short to medium acting GC
Prednisone	5	4	Short to medium acting GC
Prednisolone	5	4	Short to medium acting GC
Methylprednisolone	4	5	Short to medium acting GC
Triamcinolone	4	5	Intermediate acting GC
Betamethasone	0.6	25-40	Long acting GC
Dexamethasone	0.75	30	Long acting GC
Fludrocortisone	2	10	Mineralocorticoid
AI: Anti-Inflammatory, GC: Glucocorticoid

COPD Exacerbation Management Quick Facts:

1. COPD guidelines centered around 2008 GOLD recommendations
2. Prednisone 30-40 mg PO Daily x 7-14 days is recommended exacerbation treatment
   1. No additional benefit seen beyond two weeks of therapy
3. PO is preferred route of steroid administration over IV