Glucocorticoids
|
Short-acting
| | | | | |
Hydrocortisone
|
20
|
1
|
1
|
8-12
|
• Relatively high mineralocorticoid activity makes it suitable for use in adrenal insufficiency
|
Cortisone
|
25
|
0.8
|
0.8
|
8-12
|
• Similar to hydrocortisone
|
Intermediate-acting
| | | | | |
Prednisone
|
5
|
4
|
0.8
|
12-36
|
• High glucocorticoid activity makes it useful for long-term treatment, and as an anti-inflammatory/ immunosuppressant
|
Prednisolone
|
5
|
4
|
0.8
|
12-36
|
• Similar to prednisone
|
Methylprednisolone
|
4
|
5
|
Minimal
|
12-36
|
• Anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressant
|
Triamcinolone
|
4
|
5
|
0
|
12-36
|
• Anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressant
|
Long-acting
|
Dexamethasone
|
0.75
|
30
|
Minimal
|
36-72
|
• Anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressant; used especially when water retention is undesirable given its minimal mineralocorticoid activity
|
• Usually reserved for short-term use in severe, acute conditions given its high potency and long-duration of action
|
Betamethasone
|
0.6
|
30
|
Negligible
|
36-72
|
• Similar to dexamethasone
|
Mineralocorticoids
|
Fludrocortisone
|
**
|
10-15
|
125-150
|
12-36
|
• Used for aldosterone replacement
|