Why do corticosteroid potencies differ between drugs?

Corticosteroids vary in glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid activity. Dexamethasone and triamcinolone have high glucocorticoid potency with minimal mineralocorticoid effect, while hydrocortisone has lower glucocorticoid potency and significant mineralocorticoid activity.

Can I stop long-term steroids abruptly?

No. Abrupt discontinuation of long-term corticosteroids can cause HPA axis suppression and adrenal insufficiency. A gradual taper is required under veterinary supervision.

What is the difference between anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive steroid doses?

Anti-inflammatory doses (approximately 0.5–1 mg/kg prednisone equivalent) reduce inflammation without significant immune suppression. Immunosuppressive doses (approximately 2–4 mg/kg prednisone equivalent) are used to suppress immune-mediated disease but carry higher risks of infection, hyperglycemia, and GI ulceration.

Clinical decision support

Steroid conversion calculator

Convert between common veterinary corticosteroids with dose range context.

Convert from Dose (mg)

Convert to Route

Educational support only. Verify with clinical judgment.

Reference ranges & assumptions

Species Patient weight (kg, optional)

Weight is optional. If provided, mg/kg and dose category are calculated.

Converted dose

— mg

Enter a dose

Enter a dose and select steroids to convert.

Equivalent prednisone —

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Dose category —

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Clinical next steps

Verify patient weight and calculate mg/kg dose.
Consider concurrent NSAIDs or GI protectants if GI risk.
Monitor for polyuria, polydipsia, and appetite changes.
Taper long-term therapy to avoid HPA axis suppression.
Recheck CBC/chemistry if on prolonged immunosuppressive doses.

Safety checks

Do NOT stop long-term steroids abruptly — taper required.
Avoid in diabetic patients — causes hyperglycemia.
Immunosuppressive doses increase infection risk.
GI ulceration risk — consider gastroprotectants.

Basis and limits

Conversion: Relative potency to prednisone (prednisone = 1).
Dog anti-inflammatory: ~0.5–1 mg/kg prednisone equivalent.
Dog immunosuppressive: ~2–4 mg/kg prednisone equivalent.
Cat anti-inflammatory: ~0.5–1 mg/kg prednisone equivalent.
Cat immunosuppressive: ~2–4 mg/kg prednisone equivalent.
Scope: Converts between steroids. Does not replace clinical judgment.

Formula

Conversion: inputDose × (fromPotency / toPotency)

Steroid conversion calculator

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