Switching from Prednisone to Hydrocortisone
Use of overlap in changing from prednisone to hydrocortisone, from 2.5 mg
daily prednisone dosage is as follows:
2.5 mg of pred per day = 10 mg of hydrocortisone per day (divided or single
dose)
Double the hydrocortisone = 20 mg per day (and divided dose may be best as
shorter duration of action for hydro) for the first 7 to 10 days.
Continue with the normal prednisone dosage for the first 5 days.
After the first 7 to 10 days, reduce the hydrocortisone to 10 mg per day.
So: Day 1 = 2.5 mg pred and 10 mg hydro in a.m., 10 mg hydro in p.m.;
Hydrocortisone can be compounded into small dosages, such as 1 mg and up, if
more precise dosing is preferred (like 2/3 a.m. and 1/3 p.m. dose).
So, the regular pred is continued for the first 5 days, and the equivalent
hydro is doubled for the first 7 to 10 days (both are used together 5 days),
and after 7 - 10 days the hydro is halved to the normal dosage, and divided
dosage may be best due to the shorter duration of hydro.
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