Table 2

Relative glucocorticoid potencies*

Anti-inflammatory potencyHPA suppression potency†Duration of action
(h)
Hydrocortisone
(cortisol)
118–12
Prednisone4412–36
Prednisolone4412–36
Methylprednisolone5512–36
Dexamethasone3050 (17–100)36–72
  • *HPA suppression potencies should be used when calculating hydrocortisone equivalent doses for evaluation of AS risk.

  • †Available data about relative HPA suppression potency are limited and widely variable. Studies of growth suppressive effects of prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone and dexamethasone suggest that secondary effects on growth relative to anti-inflammatory effects may be significantly higher.71–73

  • AS, adrenal suppression; HPA, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal.