Table 1.
Relative potencies of corticosteroids.
| Preparation | Dose (mg) | RP | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrocortisone | 10 | 1 | Short |
| Cortisone | 12.5 | 0.8 | Short |
| Prednisone | 2.5 | 4 | Intermediate |
| Prednisolone | 2.5 | 4 | Intermediate |
| Methylprednisolone | 2 | 5 | Intermediate |
| Triamcinolone | 2 | 5 | Intermediate |
| Paramethasone | 1 | 10 | Long |
| Dexamethasone | 0.4 | 25 | Long |
| Betamethasone | 0.3 | 33 | Long |
The relative potency relates only to drug half-life, not biologic half-life. In other words, the effect of corticosteroids may persist long after the drug has dissipated from the sera or tissues.