How much more potent is dexamethasone compared to prednisone?

Dexamethasone is significantly more potent than prednisone due to its higher affinity for glucocorticoid receptors and a longer duration of action. The commonly accepted potency difference is that dexamethasone is approximately 7 to 10 times more potent than prednisone. This means that when comparing equivalent anti-inflammatory doses, a smaller amount of dexamethasone will achieve the same effect as a larger amount of prednisone.

This understanding is critical in clinical settings, especially when transitioning between these medications for the management of inflammatory diseases or conditions that require corticosteroid therapy. The precise dosage needs to be adjusted accordingly to prevent either under-treatment or overtreatment, thus helping to avoid potential side effects associated with corticosteroid use.