Steroid Dose Equivalence
Converts corticosteroid doses to prednisolone equivalent. Useful for switching steroids or assessing adrenal suppression risk.
Score interpretation
Prednisolone equivalent ≤7.5 mg/day: Physiological or low dose. Low adrenal suppression risk.
→ Low-dose: limited systemic side effects. Consider bone protection if long-term (>3 months).
Prednisolone equivalent 7.5–30 mg/day: Moderate dose. Significant immunosuppression.
→ Bone protection (calcium/vitamin D ± bisphosphonate). Blood glucose monitoring. Stress dosing instructions for illness.
Prednisolone equivalent ≥30 mg/day: High-dose steroids. High risk of adrenal suppression and Cushing's effects.
→ PCP prophylaxis (if >4 weeks). Bone protection. Do NOT stop abruptly. Endocrinology advice for weaning if long course.
Interpretation bands for the Steroid Equiv.. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Donihi AC et al. Corticosteroid-associated hyperglycaemia. BMJ. 2013.
- NICE CG146. Osteoporosis: assessing the risk of fragility fracture. 2012.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Hydrocortisone Ear Drops · Topical Corticosteroid — Otitis Externa
- Hydrocortisone (ICU — Stress Dosing) · Corticosteroid (ICU/Septic Shock)
- Dexamethasone (ICU / ARDS) · Systemic Corticosteroid
- Hydrocortisone (Topical) · Mild Topical Corticosteroid
- Prednisolone (Systemic) · Systemic Corticosteroid — Acute Dermatoses
- Hydrocortisone butyrate · Potent topical corticosteroid
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) · JBDS 2013 / Joint British Diabetes Societies; NICE NG17
- Adult Hypoglycaemia (Treated Diabetes) · JBDS-IP (2023): Hospital Management of Hypoglycaemia
- Adrenal Crisis · Society for Endocrinology Emergency Guidance (2024)
- Type 2 Diabetes Management · NICE NG28 2022
- Hyperthyroidism Management · BTA / ETA 2018
- Adrenal Insufficiency · Society of Endocrinology / ESE 2016
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.