Dexamethasone vs Hydrocortisone acetate
National NHS prescribing compared (Prescription Cost Analysis)
Dexamethasone was dispensed 27.1× as often as Hydrocortisone acetate in May 2026 — 68,949 items versus 2,545 in England.
68,949items
Dexamethasone · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
2,545items
Hydrocortisone acetate · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
Figure 1. Dexamethasone versus Hydrocortisone acetate: national items dispensed by month
▬ Dexamethasone · ╌ Hydrocortisone acetate
Source: NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis, to May 2026
| Measure | Dexamethasone | Hydrocortisone acetate |
|---|---|---|
| Items, May 2026 | 68,949 | 2,545 |
| Items, last 12 months | 1,038,095 | 34,768 |
| Net ingredient cost, May 2026 | £627,196 | £89,393 |
See the full profile for Dexamethasone or Hydrocortisone acetate.