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How do the Glucocorticoids properties of corticosteroids compare with cortisol?
The GC potency of medications correlates in part with the duration of biologic activity
Glucocorticoid Properties of Corticosteroid Preparations
| Glucocorticoid | Glucocorticoid Potency a |
|---|---|
| Short-acting | |
| Hydrocortisone (cortisol) | 1 |
| Cortisone | 0.8 |
| Intermediate-acting | |
| Prednisone | 4 |
| Prednisolone | 4 |
| Methylprednisolone | 5 |
| Triamcinolone | 5 |
| Long-acting | |
| Paramethasone | 10 |
| Betamethasone | 25 |
| Dexamethasone | 30 to 40 |
a Potency is determined with cortisol as a reference value of 1.
Pearl: cortisol (Solu-Cortef) 20 mg = prednisone 5 mg = prednisolone 5 mg = Medrol 4 mg (Solu-Medrol) = Decadron 0.75 mg.
