netFormulary

Lancashire and South Cumbria
Formulary

6 Endocrine system

06-03-02 Glucocorticoid therapy

A patient information leaflet should be supplied to every patient when a systemic corticosteroid is prescribed.
Steroid Treatment Cards should be issued where appropriate to support communication of the risks associated with treatment and to record details of the prescriber, drug, dosage, and duration of treatment.
Steroid Emergency Cards should be issued to patients with adrenal insufficiency and steroid dependence for whom missed doses, illness, or surgery puts them at risk of adrenal crisis.
For further detailed information see https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/prednisolone/.

Betamethasone soluble tablets

Formulary

Soluble tablets 500micrograms

MHRA: Corticosteroids: rare risk of central serous chorioretinopathy with local as well as systemic administration

Dexamethasone

Formulary

Tablets 500micrograms, 2mg
Liquid 2mg/5mL, 500micrograms/5mL, 10mg/5mL

MHRA: Corticosteroids: rare risk of central serous chorioretinopathy with local as well as systemic administration

Hydrocortisone tablets

Formulary

Tablets 10mg, 20mg

MHRA: Corticosteroids: rare risk of central serous chorioretinopathy with local as well as systemic administration

Prednisolone

Formulary

Tablets 1mg, 5mg
e/c tablets 2.5mg

25mg tablets are classified as

There is no evidence that e/c prednisolone reduces the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Uncoated tablets should be prescribed first line together with a PPI if necessary.

MHRA: Corticosteroids: rare risk of central serous chorioretinopathy with local as well as systemic administration