Steroid Conversion
Convert corticosteroid dosages between hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, betamethasone, and more using NADF potency values.
About This Calculator
The Steroid Conversion Calculator (corticosteroid equivalence calculator) helps healthcare professionals estimate equivalent doses between different corticosteroid medications. Whether you need to convert prednisone to methylprednisolone, dexamethasone to hydrocortisone, or any other combination, this tool uses the anti-inflammatory potency values established by the National Adrenal Diseases Foundation (NADF) to ensure accurate dose equivalence.
Corticosteroids are steroid hormones with anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and immunosuppressive properties used in a wide range of conditions including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, allergic reactions, and autoimmune disorders. Different corticosteroids have varying potencies and durations of action, making dose conversion essential when switching medications due to availability, cost, side effect profiles, or clinical requirements.
The conversion uses the formula: Equivalent Dose = Current Dose × (Current Potency / Target Potency). For example, 20 mg of prednisone (potency 4) converts to 16 mg of methylprednisolone (potency 5). The calculator also provides a potency comparison chart showing all eight corticosteroids on a relative scale, helping visualize the significant differences in potency between short-acting (8-12 hours), intermediate-acting (12-36 hours), and long-acting (36-54 hours) steroids.
Regional Notes: This calculator uses internationally recognized potency values from the NADF and applies globally. In the US, corticosteroids are commonly prescribed under brand names like Deltasone (prednisone), Medrol (methylprednisolone), and Decadron (dexamethasone). In the UK and India, similar preparations are available under both generic and brand names. Always consult local prescribing guidelines and verify with a clinical pharmacist when making therapy changes. This tool is for reference only and cannot replace professional medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a steroid conversion calculator?
A steroid conversion calculator estimates the equivalent dose of one corticosteroid based on the dose of another. It uses anti-inflammatory potency values to ensure the converted dose provides a similar therapeutic effect. This is essential when a patient needs to switch from one corticosteroid to another due to availability, cost, or medical reasons.
How do I convert between corticosteroid dosages?
To convert between corticosteroid dosages, multiply the current dose by its anti-inflammatory potency to get the hydrocortisone-equivalent dose, then divide by the potency of the target steroid. For example, 20 mg of prednisone (potency 4) equals 80 mg hydrocortisone equivalent, which converts to 16 mg of methylprednisolone (potency 5). Always consult your healthcare provider before changing medications.
What corticosteroids are included in this calculator?
This calculator includes eight commonly used corticosteroids: short-acting (hydrocortisone, cortisone), intermediate-acting (prednisone, prednisolone, triamcinolone, methylprednisolone), and long-acting (dexamethasone, betamethasone). The potency values are sourced from the National Adrenal Diseases Foundation corticosteroid comparison chart.
Are all corticosteroids equally potent?
No, corticosteroids vary significantly in potency. Hydrocortisone has a relative potency of 1, while dexamethasone has a potency of 30 — meaning 0.75 mg of dexamethasone provides a similar anti-inflammatory effect as 20 mg of hydrocortisone. The duration of action also differs: short-acting lasts 8-12 hours, intermediate-acting 12-36 hours, and long-acting 36-54 hours.
What is the equivalent dose of dexamethasone to prednisone?
To convert prednisone to dexamethasone, divide the prednisone dose by 7.5. For example, 20 mg of prednisone is equivalent to approximately 2.67 mg of dexamethasone. This is because prednisone has a potency of 4 and dexamethasone has a potency of 30. Always verify conversions with a healthcare professional.
Is this calculator for patients or healthcare professionals?
This calculator is designed for healthcare professionals to estimate equivalent corticosteroid dosages. Patients should not modify their therapy without consulting a physician. The estimated doses apply only to intravenous or oral administration of steroids, and the tool cannot replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Can I share my steroid conversion results?
Yes, the calculator saves your inputs in the URL, so you can share the exact conversion with your healthcare provider. Simply copy the URL from your browser's address bar after calculating — it will contain the source drug, dose, and target drug for easy reference and verification.
What reference data does this calculator use?
This calculator uses the anti-inflammatory potency values published by the National Adrenal Diseases Foundation (NADF) in their Corticosteroid Comparison Chart. The potency values are: hydrocortisone 1, cortisone 0.8, prednisone 4, prednisolone 4, triamcinolone 5, methylprednisolone 5, dexamethasone 30, and betamethasone 30.