Physiologic replacement doses of glucocorticoid medications

This table describes the general range of glucocorticoid doses that approximates endogenous cortisol production for each formulation and may be used to guide initial replacement therapy in patients with known or suspected adrenal insufficiency not caused by congenital adrenal hyperplasia. However, there is individual variability in the daily glucocorticoid dose required to prevent adrenal insufficiency and dosing must be adjusted based on individual patient characteristics and drug interactions. Hydrocortisone is generally the preferred formulation for physiologic glucocorticoid replacement in children and adolescents who have not completed linear growth, to minimize growth suppression. When initiating or changing drug therapy, use of a drug interactions program is advised.