A 2-year-old child admitted with measles is prescribed vitamin A therapy. What is the correct total regimen?
- A 100,000 IU as a single dose
- B 200,000 IU as a single dose
- C 200,000 IU daily for two consecutive days ✓
- D 400,000 IU weekly for four weeks
Correct answer: C. 200,000 IU daily for two consecutive days
Explanation
WHO and IAP recommend vitamin A for all children with measles: 200,000 IU orally on two consecutive days for children above 12 months, and half that dose (100,000 IU) for infants below 12 months. A third dose may be added if there is clinical evidence of deficiency. The single 200,000 IU dose option is the trap because it omits the second day, which is required to replenish depleted stores and reduce mortality and ocular complications.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.