Cortisone Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 21, 2023.

Usual Adult Dose for Adrenal Insufficiency

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Use(s): Primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, nonsuppurative thyroiditis, hypercalcemia associated with cancer

Usual Adult Dose for Idiopathic (Immune) Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in adults, secondary thrombocytopenia in adults, acquired/autoimmune hemolytic anemia, erythroblastopenia (red blood cell anemia), congenital (erythroid) hypoplastic anemia

Usual Adult Dose for Shock

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in adults, secondary thrombocytopenia in adults, acquired/autoimmune hemolytic anemia, erythroblastopenia (red blood cell anemia), congenital (erythroid) hypoplastic anemia

Usual Adult Dose for Hemolytic Anemia

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in adults, secondary thrombocytopenia in adults, acquired/autoimmune hemolytic anemia, erythroblastopenia (red blood cell anemia), congenital (erythroid) hypoplastic anemia

Usual Adult Dose for Erythroblastopenia

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in adults, secondary thrombocytopenia in adults, acquired/autoimmune hemolytic anemia, erythroblastopenia (red blood cell anemia), congenital (erythroid) hypoplastic anemia

Usual Adult Dose for Loeffler's Syndrome

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: Symptomatic sarcoidosis, Loeffler's syndrome not manageable by other means, berylliosis, fulminating or disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis (when used concomitantly with appropriate antituberculosis chemotherapy), aspiration pneumonitis

Usual Adult Dose for Sarcoidosis

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: Symptomatic sarcoidosis, Loeffler's syndrome not manageable by other means, berylliosis, fulminating or disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis (when used concomitantly with appropriate antituberculosis chemotherapy), aspiration pneumonitis

Usual Adult Dose for Berylliosis

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: Symptomatic sarcoidosis, Loeffler's syndrome not manageable by other means, berylliosis, fulminating or disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis (when used concomitantly with appropriate antituberculosis chemotherapy), aspiration pneumonitis

Usual Adult Dose for Lymphoma

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: Palliative management of leukemia and lymphoma in adults

Usual Adult Dose for Nephrotic Syndrome

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: To induce diuresis or remission of proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome without uremia, idiopathic or from lupus erythematosus

Usual Adult Dose for Uveitis

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: Severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory processes involving the eye and its adnexa, such as:

• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Keratitis
• Allergic corneal marginal ulcers
• Herpes zoster ophthalmicus
• Iritis and iridocyclitis
• Chorioretinitis
• Anterior segment inflammation
• Diffuse posterior uveitis and choroiditis
• Optic neuritis
• Sympathetic ophthalmia

Usual Adult Dose for Iritis

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: Severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory processes involving the eye and its adnexa, such as:

• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Keratitis
• Allergic corneal marginal ulcers
• Herpes zoster ophthalmicus
• Iritis and iridocyclitis
• Chorioretinitis
• Anterior segment inflammation
• Diffuse posterior uveitis and choroiditis
• Optic neuritis
• Sympathetic ophthalmia

Usual Adult Dose for Keratitis

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: Severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory processes involving the eye and its adnexa, such as:

• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Keratitis
• Allergic corneal marginal ulcers
• Herpes zoster ophthalmicus
• Iritis and iridocyclitis
• Chorioretinitis
• Anterior segment inflammation
• Diffuse posterior uveitis and choroiditis
• Optic neuritis
• Sympathetic ophthalmia

Usual Adult Dose for Conjunctivitis

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: Severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory processes involving the eye and its adnexa, such as:

• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Keratitis
• Allergic corneal marginal ulcers
• Herpes zoster ophthalmicus
• Iritis and iridocyclitis
• Chorioretinitis
• Anterior segment inflammation
• Diffuse posterior uveitis and choroiditis
• Optic neuritis
• Sympathetic ophthalmia

Usual Adult Dose for Iridocyclitis

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: Severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory processes involving the eye and its adnexa, such as:

• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Keratitis
• Allergic corneal marginal ulcers
• Herpes zoster ophthalmicus
• Iritis and iridocyclitis
• Chorioretinitis
• Anterior segment inflammation
• Diffuse posterior uveitis and choroiditis
• Optic neuritis
• Sympathetic ophthalmia

Usual Adult Dose for Chorioretinitis

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: Severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory processes involving the eye and its adnexa, such as:

• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Keratitis
• Allergic corneal marginal ulcers
• Herpes zoster ophthalmicus
• Iritis and iridocyclitis
• Chorioretinitis
• Anterior segment inflammation
• Diffuse posterior uveitis and choroiditis
• Optic neuritis
• Sympathetic ophthalmia

Usual Adult Dose for Choroiditis

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: Severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory processes involving the eye and its adnexa, such as:

• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Keratitis
• Allergic corneal marginal ulcers
• Herpes zoster ophthalmicus
• Iritis and iridocyclitis
• Chorioretinitis
• Anterior segment inflammation
• Diffuse posterior uveitis and choroiditis
• Optic neuritis
• Sympathetic ophthalmia

Usual Adult Dose for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: For exacerbations or as maintenance therapy in select cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, acute rheumatic carditis, and systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)

Usual Adult Dose for Dermatomyositis

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: For exacerbations or as maintenance therapy in select cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, acute rheumatic carditis, and systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)

Usual Adult Dose for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: As adjunctive therapy for short term administration (for acute episodes/exacerbations) in:

• Psoriatic arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylosis
• Acute and subacute bursitis
• Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis
• Acute gouty arthritis
• Post-traumatic osteoarthritis
• Synovitis of osteoarthritis
• Epicondylitis

Usual Adult Dose for Bursitis

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: As adjunctive therapy for short term administration (for acute episodes/exacerbations) in:

• Psoriatic arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylosis
• Acute and subacute bursitis
• Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis
• Acute gouty arthritis
• Post-traumatic osteoarthritis
• Synovitis of osteoarthritis
• Epicondylitis

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: As adjunctive therapy for short term administration (for acute episodes/exacerbations) in:

• Psoriatic arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylosis
• Acute and subacute bursitis
• Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis
• Acute gouty arthritis
• Post-traumatic osteoarthritis
• Synovitis of osteoarthritis
• Epicondylitis

Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: As adjunctive therapy for short term administration (for acute episodes/exacerbations) in:

• Psoriatic arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylosis
• Acute and subacute bursitis
• Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis
• Acute gouty arthritis
• Post-traumatic osteoarthritis
• Synovitis of osteoarthritis
• Epicondylitis

Usual Adult Dose for Gouty Arthritis

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: As adjunctive therapy for short term administration (for acute episodes/exacerbations) in:

• Psoriatic arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylosis
• Acute and subacute bursitis
• Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis
• Acute gouty arthritis
• Post-traumatic osteoarthritis
• Synovitis of osteoarthritis
• Epicondylitis

Usual Adult Dose for Psoriatic Arthritis

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: As adjunctive therapy for short term administration (for acute episodes/exacerbations) in:

• Psoriatic arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylosis
• Acute and subacute bursitis
• Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis
• Acute gouty arthritis
• Post-traumatic osteoarthritis
• Synovitis of osteoarthritis
• Epicondylitis

Usual Adult Dose for Epicondylitis

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: As adjunctive therapy for short term administration (for acute episodes/exacerbations) in:

• Psoriatic arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylosis
• Acute and subacute bursitis
• Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis
• Acute gouty arthritis
• Post-traumatic osteoarthritis
• Synovitis of osteoarthritis
• Epicondylitis

Usual Adult Dose for Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses:

• Pemphigus
• Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis
• Severe erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• Exfoliative dermatitis
• Mycosis fungoides
• Severe psoriasis
• Severe seborrheic dermatitis

Usual Adult Dose for Psoriasis

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses:

• Pemphigus
• Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis
• Severe erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• Exfoliative dermatitis
• Mycosis fungoides
• Severe psoriasis
• Severe seborrheic dermatitis

Usual Adult Dose for Seborrheic Dermatitis

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses:

• Pemphigus
• Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis
• Severe erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• Exfoliative dermatitis
• Mycosis fungoides
• Severe psoriasis
• Severe seborrheic dermatitis

Usual Adult Dose for Pemphigus

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses:

• Pemphigus
• Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis
• Severe erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• Exfoliative dermatitis
• Mycosis fungoides
• Severe psoriasis
• Severe seborrheic dermatitis

Usual Adult Dose for Erythema Multiforme

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses:

• Pemphigus
• Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis
• Severe erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• Exfoliative dermatitis
• Mycosis fungoides
• Severe psoriasis
• Severe seborrheic dermatitis

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: Control of severe or incapacitating allergic conditions retractable to adequate trials of conventional treatment:

• Seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis
• Bronchial asthma
• Contact dermatitis
• Atopic dermatitis
• Serum sickness
• Drug hypersensitivity reactions

Usual Adult Dose for Atopic Dermatitis

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: Control of severe or incapacitating allergic conditions retractable to adequate trials of conventional treatment:

• Seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis
• Bronchial asthma
• Contact dermatitis
• Atopic dermatitis
• Serum sickness
• Drug hypersensitivity reactions

Usual Adult Dose for Asthma

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: Control of severe or incapacitating allergic conditions retractable to adequate trials of conventional treatment:

• Seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis
• Bronchial asthma
• Contact dermatitis
• Atopic dermatitis
• Serum sickness
• Drug hypersensitivity reactions

Usual Adult Dose for Serum Sickness

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: Control of severe or incapacitating allergic conditions retractable to adequate trials of conventional treatment:

• Seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis
• Bronchial asthma
• Contact dermatitis
• Atopic dermatitis
• Serum sickness
• Drug hypersensitivity reactions

Usual Adult Dose for Ulcerative Colitis - Active

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: To tide patients over during critical periods of ulcerative colitis or regional enteritis

Usual Adult Dose for Tuberculous Meningitis

Initial dose: 25 to 300 mg per day

Comments:

• Dose requirements are variable; individualize dose based on disease and patient response.

Uses: Tuberculosis meningitis with subarachnoid block or impending block (with appropriate concurrent tuberculosis chemotherapy); trichinosis with neurologic or myocardial event

Renal Dose Adjustments

Use with caution.

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Dose Adjustments

• Doses less than 25 mg may suffice in less severe disease, while doses higher than 300 mg may be needed for severe disease.
• Adjust initial dosage until a satisfactory response is seen.
• If no satisfactory response occurs within a reasonable period, transfer the patient to a different therapy.
• After a favorable initial response, determine the maintenance dose by decreasing the dose by small amounts to the lowest effective dose.
• Observe patients carefully for signs that a dose adjustment may be needed, including changes from disease remission or exacerbation and the effects of stressors (e.g. surgery, infection, trauma).
• Doses may need to be increased temporarily during times of stress.

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Systemic fungal infections
• Hypersensitivity to this product

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• If therapy is to be discontinued after more than a few days of use, withdraw it gradually.

Patient advice:

• Patients should avoid exposure to chickenpox and measles, and should seek medical advice promptly if exposed.

Frequently asked questions

• What are the side effects of steroids?
• What is the difference between hydrocortisone and cortisone?
• How long do the effects of a cortisone injection shot last?

See also:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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