Steroid Conversion Calculator

Steroid Conversion Calculator for Endocrinology. Equivalent anti-inflammatory doses do not have identical duration, mineralocorticoid activity or adrenal-suppression effects. Different references can use different approximate potency conventions. State the table being used and reassess clinically rather than treating the conversion as exact bioequivalence.

For shared guidance on choosing a tool and documenting results, read the clinical calculator workflow.

How this calculator works

The implementation uses comparison doses of hydrocortisone 20 mg, prednisone/prednisolone 5 mg, methylprednisolone 4 mg and dexamethasone 0.75 mg. For each output: input dose / input comparison dose x output comparison dose. These approximate oral/IV anti-inflammatory relationships are documented in dexamethasone labeling. The tool displays all equivalents; it has no target-drug or route selector.

When to use this calculator

Use as an arithmetic cross-check of an already planned systemic glucocorticoid conversion. A prescriber or pharmacist must determine indication, route, interval and practical dose. This is not a taper, adrenal-crisis or physiologic replacement protocol.

Inputs used

  • One of the four listed systemic steroid options
  • Dose in mg

Clinical interpretation

Equivalent anti-inflammatory doses do not have identical duration, mineralocorticoid activity or adrenal-suppression effects. Different references can use different approximate potency conventions. State the table being used and reassess clinically rather than treating the conversion as exact bioequivalence.

Worked example

Methylprednisolone 40 mg gives prednisone 40/4 x 5 = 50 mg, hydrocortisone 200 mg and dexamethasone 7.50 mg using this table. The previous broad 6-8 mg dexamethasone suggestion is replaced by the exact table arithmetic. Zero input gives zero equivalents but is not advice to stop treatment.

Limitations and safety notes

Drug interactions, formulation, route and clinical response can change the appropriate regimen. These relationships are not transferable to topical, inhaled, depot or intra-articular products. Switching agents does not answer whether tapering or adrenal testing is needed. Mineralocorticoid replacement, when indicated, is a separate decision.

Frequently asked questions

Why do published dexamethasone equivalents differ?

Potency comparisons are approximate and depend on the reference and clinical purpose. This component specifically uses 0.75 mg relative to prednisone 5 mg.

Does an equivalent dose define a taper?

No. Duration of exposure, disease control and adrenal-suppression risk require a separate clinical plan.

References

  • DailyMed. Dexamethasone tablets prescribing information: comparative systemic corticosteroid doses and route limitation. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=3f2fe98a-ab42-4bec-bf97-c090567f9ad6&type=pdf
  • ESE and Endocrine Society. Glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency guideline. 2024. https://www.endocrine.org/journals/jcem/glucocorticoid-induced-adrenal-insufficiency

Editorial review and citation methodology

Maintained by the Quick Medical Calculator Editorial Team. Content record date: September 7, 2026. A content date is not evidence of independent clinical review. Individual clinical sign-off is not recorded on this page.

  • Prefer original validation studies for scoring systems and prediction tools.
  • Use current specialty society guidance, transplant allocation policy, public health guidance, or regulator resources when they govern clinical use.
  • Include limitations and safety notes when a calculator is population-specific, context-dependent, or unsuitable as a standalone decision tool.

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