What are short-acting synthetic corticosteroids?

From the Guidelines

Short-acting synthetic corticosteroids are medications that include prednisone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone, which are used to treat various conditions such as asthma, allergic reactions, and inflammatory diseases, with dosing varying widely based on the condition being treated, as seen in the guidelines for asthma management 1. These medications work by suppressing immune system activity and reducing inflammation through inhibition of inflammatory mediators. Some key points about short-acting synthetic corticosteroids include:

• They are used for short-term treatment of exacerbations or to gain rapid control of symptoms, as recommended in the guidelines for managing asthma 1.
• They have a shorter duration of action compared to longer-acting corticosteroids, which makes them suitable for short-term use, as noted in the expert panel report 3 (epr-3) guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma 1.
• They carry risks including immunosuppression, metabolic effects, and adrenal suppression, especially with prolonged use, as highlighted in the guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults with phototherapy and systemic therapies 1.
• Examples of short-acting synthetic corticosteroids include prednisone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone, with dosing ranging from 5-60 mg daily for prednisone and 4-48 mg daily for methylprednisolone, as seen in the evidence from the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 1. It's essential to use these medications under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as they can have significant side effects, especially with long-term use, and to carefully consider the benefits and risks of treatment, as discussed in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings article on managing asthma in primary care 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Other corticoids, including methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, and prednisolone, are considered to be short-acting (producing adrenal cortical suppression for 1¼ to 1½ days following a single dose) Other corticoids, including methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, and prednisolone, are considered to be short acting (producing adrenocortical suppression for 1¼; to 1½; days following a single dose)

Short-acting synthetic corticosteroids are defined as those that produce adrenal cortical suppression for 1¼ to 1½ days following a single dose.

• Examples of short-acting synthetic corticosteroids include:
  • Methylprednisolone
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Prednisone
  • Prednisolone 2 3

From the Research

Definition of Short-Acting Synthetic Corticosteroids

• Short-acting synthetic corticosteroids are a type of corticosteroid that has a shorter duration of action compared to intermediate-acting and long-acting corticosteroids 4.
• Examples of short-acting synthetic corticosteroids include hydrocortisone, which is considered the least potent among the corticosteroids 4.

Characteristics of Short-Acting Synthetic Corticosteroids

• Short-acting corticosteroids like hydrocortisone have a lower potency compared to intermediate-acting products such as prednisone and methylprednisolone, which are four to five times more potent 4.
• The potency of short-acting corticosteroids is significantly lower than long-acting corticosteroids like dexamethasone, which has a potency about 25 times greater than short-acting products 4.

Uses of Short-Acting Synthetic Corticosteroids

• Short-acting synthetic corticosteroids are used in the treatment of various medical conditions, including inflammatory and autoimmune diseases 5, 6.
• They are also used as adjuvant analgesics in the treatment of neuropathic and cancer-related pain, and to reduce complications in patients with meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae or Mycobacterium tuberculosis 4.
• In the context of COVID-19 treatment, corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone and prednisone are used for the treatment of moderate, severe, and critically infected patients who require supplemental oxygen 7.