From the Guidelines
Short-acting synthetic corticosteroids, such as prednisone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone, are laboratory-created medications that mimic the effects of natural corticosteroids with a shorter duration of action, typically remaining active in the body for 12-36 hours. These medications are prescribed for inflammatory conditions, autoimmune disorders, and allergic reactions, with dosing regimens that vary based on the condition being treated 1. For example, methylprednisolone might be prescribed at 1-2 mg/kg/d, with a maximum of 60 mg/d, for short-term use in children and adults 1.
Key Characteristics of Short-acting Synthetic Corticosteroids
- They are used to establish control when therapy is needed during a period of gradual deterioration 1
- They have a shorter duration of action compared to longer-acting alternatives
- They allow for easier dose adjustments and can be tapered more precisely to minimize withdrawal symptoms
- They require more frequent dosing, which may affect patient compliance
Examples of Short-acting Synthetic Corticosteroids
- Methylprednisolone: prescribed at 1-2 mg/kg/d, with a maximum of 60 mg/d, for short-term use in children and adults 1
- Prednisolone: available in 5-mg tablets and 15 mg/5 cc 1
- Prednisone: available in 2.5,10,20,50-mg tablets and 5 mg/cc, 5 mg/5 cc 1
Clinical Use
Short-acting synthetic corticosteroids are preferred when rapid onset of action is needed or when a flexible dosing schedule is required 1. They are often used to gain prompt control of asthma and are prescribed for short courses to treat exacerbations 1. However, they should be used with caution and under close monitoring due to potential side effects, such as reversible abnormalities in glucose metabolism, increased appetite, fluid retention, weight gain, facial flushing, mood alteration, hypertension, peptic ulcer, and rarely aseptic necrosis 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) Short-acting synthetic corticosteroids are defined as those that produce adrenal cortical suppression for a shorter period, specifically 1¼ to 1½ days following a single dose.
- Examples of short-acting synthetic corticosteroids include:
- Methylprednisolone
- Hydrocortisone
- Prednisone
- Prednisolone 2
From the Research
Definition of Short-Acting Synthetic Corticosteroids
- Short-acting synthetic corticosteroids are a class of medications used to treat various medical conditions, including inflammatory diseases and immune system disorders 3.
- These corticosteroids are designed to mimic the effects of natural corticosteroids produced by the body, but with a shorter duration of action 4.
Examples of Short-Acting Synthetic Corticosteroids
- Hydrocortisone is an example of a short-acting synthetic corticosteroid, which is the least potent among the corticosteroids 3.
- Other examples of short-acting synthetic corticosteroids include prednisone and methylprednisolone, although they are considered intermediate-acting products 3.
- Synthetic steroids like methylprednisolone and fluorohydrocortisone are highly potent in suppressing immune responses, but may not be considered short-acting 4.
Industrial Synthesis of Corticosteroids
- Corticosteroids, including short-acting synthetic ones, can be synthesized industrially from sapogenins, such as diosgenin, through a combination of chemistry and biotechnology 5.
- Various synthesis pathways have been developed for different corticosteroids, including prednisone, prednisolone, hydrocortisone, and methylprednisolone 5.
Clinical Use of Short-Acting Synthetic Corticosteroids
- Short-acting synthetic corticosteroids, such as prednisolone, have been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation and improving symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis 6.
- These corticosteroids may be used intermittently in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly when the disease cannot be controlled by other means 6.