Which corticosteroid is considered short-acting?

Which corticosteroid is considered short-acting?

• A. Dexamethasone
• B. Hydrocortisone
• C. Betamethasone
• D. Methylprednisolone

Answer: (B)

Short-acting corticosteroids are those whose anti-inflammatory effect lasts for the shortest time. Hydrocortisone fits this category, with activity lasting roughly 8–12 hours after systemic administration. This makes it the best choice when a shorter duration of action is desired or when physiologic replacement is needed, since it mirrors natural cortisol with some mineralocorticoid activity. In contrast, dexamethasone and betamethasone are long-acting, typically exerting effects for more than 36 hours, while methylprednisolone is intermediate-acting, usually around 12–36 hours.

Short-acting corticosteroids are those whose anti-inflammatory effect lasts for the shortest time. Hydrocortisone fits this category, with activity lasting roughly 8–12 hours after systemic administration. This makes it the best choice when a shorter duration of action is desired or when physiologic replacement is needed, since it mirrors natural cortisol with some mineralocorticoid activity. In contrast, dexamethasone and betamethasone are long-acting, typically exerting effects for more than 36 hours, while methylprednisolone is intermediate-acting, usually around 12–36 hours.