This calculator includes the conversion between various types of steroids, taking into account the duration of action of steroids and steroid equivalence. In addition, there is a detailed table of various steroid doses to help guide medical practitioners in their use of steroids.
Corticosteroid Conversion Calculator
The potency of a steroid is a measure of its biological activity relative to a reference steroid, usually cortisol or hydrocortisone. The calculation involves multiplying the dose of the starting steroid by its potency relative to the reference steroid, and then dividing by the potency of the target steroid relative to the reference steroid.
Formula
Estimated dose of the target steroid = (dose of the steroid x conversion factor for the steroid) / conversion factor for the target steroid
Types of Steroids
Steroids can be classified into two broad categories: glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Glucocorticoids, such as cortisol and prednisone, are involved in the regulation of glucose metabolism and the response to stress. Mineralocorticoids, such as aldosterone, regulate electrolyte balance and blood pressure.
In addition, there are also anabolic steroids, which are synthetic versions of the hormone testosterone and are used for building muscle mass and strength. Anabolic steroids are not the focus of this article and will not be discussed further.
Duration of Action of Steroids
The duration of action of a steroid depends on its potency and the route of administration. Also, potent steroids, such as dexamethasone, have a longer duration of action than less potent steroids, such as hydrocortisone. The route of administration also affects the duration of action, with oral administration having a longer duration of action than intravenous administration.
Steroid Equivalence
Steroid equivalence refers to the relative potency of different steroids. This is important in determining the correct dose of a steroid, as a higher dose of a less potent steroid may be required to achieve the same effect as a lower dose of a more potent steroid.
Conversion between Steroids
Conversion between steroids is the process of determining the equivalent dose of one steroid to another. This is important when switching from one steroid to another or when combining steroids with different potencies.
A summary of Various Steroid Doses
The following table provides a comprehensive list of various steroids and their equivalent doses. This information can be used as a reference when calculating the correct dose of a steroid.
| Steroid | Steroid Equivalent dose (mg) | Anti-inflammatory Activity | Mineralocorticoid Potency | Half-life in hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cortisone | 25 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 8-12 hours |
| Hydrocortisone | 20 | 1 | 1 | 8-12 hours |
| Methylprednisolone | 4 | 5 | 0.5 | 18-36 hours |
| Prednisolone | 5 | 4 | 0.8 | 18-36 hours |
| Prednisone | 5 | 4 | 0.8 | 18-36 hours |
| Triamcinolone | 4 | 5 | negligible potency | 18-36 hours |
| Betamethasone | 0.75 | 25 | negligible potency | 36-54 hours |
| Dexamethasone | 0.75 | 25 | negligible potency | 36-54 hours |
| Fludrocortisone | 10 | 0 | 125 | 36-72 hours |
| Aldosterone | - | 0 | >400 | - |
The steroid dose conversion calculator can be used in various scenarios where a patient’s steroid regimen needs to be adjusted. For example, if a patient has been taking a chronic dose of steroids and there is a shortage or change in availability of the drug formulation, the dose may need to be converted to another form. Similarly, if a patient is receiving a short-term “burst” dose of steroids and there is a change in the drug formulation, the dose may need to be adjusted.
In these cases, the steroid dose conversion calculator can determine the equivalent dose in the new formulation, ensuring that the patient continues receiving the correct amount of steroid to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.
A simple rule to recall the conversion between glucocorticoid formulations
Prednisone (5mg) = Hydrocortisone (20mg) = Dexamethasone (0.75mg) = methylprednisolone (4mg)
It’s important to note that using a steroid dose conversion calculator should always be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider, who can consider the patient’s medical history and other factors that may impact the dose conversion.
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