Prednisolone has predominantly glucocorticoid activity (anti-inflammatory) and is the most commonly used corticosteroid for long-term administration (see also Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for use in asthma/COPD and Drugs used in rheumatic diseases and gout for use in rheumatic diseases). There is no evidence that the use of enteric-coated tablets prevents peptic ulceration. Dexamethasone is mainly used where mineralocorticoid activity is undesirable (eg in cerebral oedema) and for the prevention or treatment of nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy or opiates (see Drugs used in nausea and vertigo). Hydrocortisone is used for replacement therapy in adrenal insufficiency.

Please consider if a steroid emergency card needs to be given to the patient alongside the traditional steroid treatment card.  This is to support the timely recognition and treatment of potential adrenal crisis and is suitable for some patients on oral, inhaled, topical or rectal steroids.  For more information, including which patients should receive the card, see HIS for details.  Steroid emergency cards have been distributed to, hospitals, GP surgeries and community pharmacies. Primary care can order replacement cards from 01463 706886.

Note: Issue steroid cards with long-term therapy.

See Peri-operative guidelines for patients with or at risk of adrenal insufficiency

BETAMETHASONE

Important: Therapy notes

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Soluble tablets 500 micrograms

Dosage:

For use of betamethasone soluble tablets in oral ulceration or inflammation refer to Drugs acting on the orpharynx off-label.

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Injection 4mg/mL

DEXAMETHASONE

Important: Therapy notes

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Tablets 500 micrograms, 2mg, 4mg

Dosage:

The tablets can be swallowed whole or dispersed in a little water prior to use off-label.

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Oral solution (as sodium phosphate) 2mg/5mL

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Injection (as sodium phosphate) 3·3mg/mL, 6·6mg/2mL

HYDROCORTISONE

Important: Therapy notes

For use of hydrocortisone oromucosal tablets in oral ulceration or inflammation, refer to Drugs acting on the oropharynx.

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Tablets 10mg, 20mg

Dosage:

By mouth, replacement therapy, 15 to 25mg daily in 2 to 3 divided doses. Take the first dose on waking in the morning and the last dose early in the evening.

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Injection (as sodium succinate) 100mg

Dosage:

For routine intravenous use, hydrocortisone sodium succinate injection is preferred as hydrocortisone sodium phosphate injection can cause paraesthesia and pain following intravenous injection.

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Injection (as sodium phosphate) 100mg/mL, 500mg/5mL

Dosage:

For routine intravenous use, hydrocortisone sodium succinate injection is preferred as hydrocortisone sodium phosphate injection can cause paraesthesia and pain following intravenous injection.

METHYLPREDNISOLONE

Important: Therapy notes

MHRA advice: Methylprednisolone injectable medicine containing lactose (Solu-Medrone 40mg): do not use in patients with cows' milk allergy (October 2017) (www.gov.uk).

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Tablets 100mg

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Injection (as sodium succinate) 40mg, 1 gram

PREDNISOLONE

Important: Therapy notes

MHRA advice: Drug-name confusion: reminder to be vigilant for potential errors (January 2018) (www.gov.uk).

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Tablets 1mg, 5mg, 25mg

Dosage:

Where possible, avoid use of the high-cost prednisolone tablets 25mg.

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Soluble tablets 5mg

Important: Formulation and dosage details

Formulation:

Liquid 10mg/mL

Editorial Information

Document Id: F166