For adult COVID patients who are serious, who cannot find a hospital bed and whose Oxygen has dropped to 90% or lower and who need to be put on oral steroids have to be given a particular steroid medication in two equal parts, 12 hours apart.
Generally, such patients will be put on one of the following four steroids; these dosages are equivalent. If you cannot get the one prescribed by your doctor, then another steroid be taken at the equivalent dosages indicated against each:
- Dexamethasone
6 mg total dose per day, divided in two equal parts to be given orally 12 hrs apart;
or - Methylprednisolone
32 mg total dose per day, divided in two equal parts to be given orally 12 hours apart;
or - Prednisone
40 mg total dose per day, divided in two equal parts to be given orally 12 hours apart;
or - Deflazacort
48 mg total dose per day, divided in two equal doses to be given orally 12 hours apart.
Most importantly, the number of days to be given, when and how to reduce the dose should be decided in consultation with your doctor.
Many of those who have chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, intestinal diseases, lung disease, etc must take guidance of other specialists before starting, tapering or stopping any of these medicines. This is a highly potent medicine and needs to used with great care under competent medical care.
