Steroid Conversions

We use steroids all the time in rheumatology, and it's important to know the potency equivalents of all the drugs we use. Remember the ratio 20:5:4:0.75 and the mnemonic above to remember the potency of different steroids. Hydrocortisone has the least amount of anti-inflammatory property and has the shortest duration of action (about 8 to 12 hours). Dexamethasone has the highest amount of anti-inflammatory property and has the longest duration of action (36 to 72 hours). Prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone are intermediate acting.