Brain 17 Vienna

Steroids: which compound?

Plasma half-life (h)

Biological half-life (h)

Glucocorticoid Potency

Mineralo- corticoid effects

Hydrocortisone

1

8-12

1

Prednisone

5

3-4

12-36

0.8

Methylprednisolone

4

1.5-3

12-36

0.5

Dexamethasone

~ 30

2-5

36-54

0

Advantages of dexamethasone:

• Least amount of mineralocorticoid activity => Low rate of fluid retention

• Long biological half-life => frequent dosing not required