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Steroid Conversion Calculator

Convert steroid dosages accurately using established dosing equivalencies for Betamethasone, Cortisone, Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone, Methylprednisolone, Prednisolone, Prednisone, and Triamcinolone.

Enter the dosage of the selected "From" steroid in milligrams (mg)

Converting From

Converting To

Conversion Result

Calculating conversion...

Select steroids and enter dosage to see conversion results

Medical Guidance & Important Information

Complete the conversion above to view specific medical guidance for your steroid conversion.

How to Use This Tool

This steroid conversion calculator is designed for healthcare professionals to convert between different glucocorticoid medications based on established potency equivalencies.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  • Enter dosage: Input the dosage in milligrams (mg) of the steroid you wish to convert from
  • Select "From" steroid: Choose the steroid you wish to convert from using the left button panel
  • Select "To" steroid: Choose the steroid you wish to convert to using the right button panel
  • View results: The equivalent dosage will be automatically calculated and displayed with a visual chart
  • Get guidance: Review the medical advice provided for clinical considerations
  • Download: Save your results as a PDF for records or consultation

Important Note

This tool provides approximate conversions based on anti-inflammatory potency equivalencies. Individual patient factors (hepatic function, renal function, concomitant medications) may affect clinical response. Always use clinical judgment and consult appropriate references when making therapeutic decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate are these steroid conversions?

The conversions are based on established anti-inflammatory potency equivalencies from clinical pharmacology references. However, individual patient factors can affect bioavailability and clinical response. These conversions should serve as a starting point for clinical decision-making, not as definitive dosing recommendations.

Can I use this calculator for pediatric patients?

While potency equivalencies are generally consistent across age groups, pediatric dosing requires additional considerations including weight-based calculations, growth effects, and developmental pharmacology. This calculator provides adult equivalencies which should be adjusted appropriately for pediatric patients.

Why are some steroids only available in specific formulations?

Certain steroids have formulation-specific bioavailability. For example, Cortisone has poor oral bioavailability and is typically administered orally with the understanding that it requires hepatic conversion to cortisol. The calculator accounts for these formulation considerations in its conversions.

How often should steroid conversions be re-evaluated?

Steroid therapy should be regularly reassessed based on clinical response, side effects, and treatment duration. When converting between steroids, monitor patients closely for both therapeutic effects and adverse reactions, particularly during the first week after conversion.

Are mineralocorticoid effects considered in these conversions?

No, these conversions are based solely on anti-inflammatory (glucocorticoid) potency. Steroids with significant mineralocorticoid activity (like hydrocortisone) may require additional monitoring for fluid retention, hypertension, and electrolyte disturbances that may not be fully captured by potency-based conversions alone.

Steroid Conversion Calculator for Medical Professionals

Our advanced steroid conversion calculator provides accurate dosing equivalencies for the most commonly prescribed glucocorticoids. This essential medical tool helps healthcare providers convert between Betamethasone, Cortisone, Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone, Methylprednisolone, Prednisolone, Prednisone, and Triamcinolone with precision.

Whether you're managing autoimmune conditions, inflammatory disorders, or adrenal insufficiency, our calculator simplifies complex steroid conversions. The tool accounts for formulation differences (PO vs IV) and provides clinically relevant guidance for safe medication transitions.

Key Features of Our Steroid Conversion Tool

  • Evidence-Based Conversions: Based on established anti-inflammatory potency ratios from clinical pharmacology
  • Comprehensive Steroid List: Covers all major glucocorticoids used in clinical practice
  • Formulation-Specific: Differentiates between oral and intravenous formulations where applicable
  • Visual Representation: Graphical display of conversion ratios for enhanced understanding
  • Clinical Guidance: Important medical considerations for safe steroid conversion

Medical References & Sources

Clinical Pharmacology References

Primary Conversion References
  • AHFS Drug Information®. Steroid Equivalency Table. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. AHFS Website
  • Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (14th ed.). Chapter 50: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Adrenocortical Steroids and Their Synthetic Analogs. Access Medicine
  • Lexicomp® Drug Information Handbook. Corticosteroid Systemic Equivalencies. Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information. Lexicomp
Guidelines & Reviews
  • American College of Rheumatology. Guidelines for Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis. ACR Guidelines
  • British National Formulary (BNF). Corticosteroid Conversion Table. BNF/NICE
  • UpToDate®. Major side effects of systemic glucocorticoids. UpToDate
Key Clinical Studies
Online Reference Tools
Important Clinical Considerations

Bioavailability Variations: Oral bioavailability varies between steroids (Prednisone ~80-90%, Hydrocortisone ~96%, Cortisone ~80% after conversion). These variations may affect clinical response.

Mineralocorticoid Activity: Conversions are based on anti-inflammatory (glucocorticoid) potency only. Mineralocorticoid effects (sodium retention, potassium loss) vary significantly between steroids and require separate consideration.

Hepatic Metabolism: Steroids like prednisone require hepatic conversion to active forms. Consider reduced efficacy in patients with significant liver impairment.

Duration of Action: Equivalency tables don't account for differences in biological half-life. Short-acting steroids (hydrocortisone) may require multiple daily doses vs. once-daily dosing for long-acting steroids (dexamethasone).

Professional Organizations

Disclaimer: This tool is based on established medical literature, pharmacology references, and clinical guidelines. The conversions provided are approximate and intended for educational purposes. Healthcare providers should use clinical judgment in conjunction with this tool and consult primary references for patient-specific decisions.

Last Literature Review: Clinical references up to 2023 have been considered in the development of this conversion calculator.