According to WHO recommendations, what is the correct regimen of elemental zinc supplementation for an 18-month-old child with acute watery diarrhea?
- A 20 mg once daily for 14 days ✓
- B 10 mg once daily for 14 days
- C 20 mg twice daily for 5 days
- D 10 mg once daily for 5 days
Correct answer: A. 20 mg once daily for 14 days
Explanation
WHO recommends elemental zinc 20 mg once daily for 14 days for children aged 6 months or older, and 10 mg once daily for 14 days for infants younger than 6 months. Zinc reduces diarrheal duration and severity and prevents recurrence for 2 to 3 months. The 10 mg dose applies only to infants below 6 months, and the duration is 14 days regardless of resolution of symptoms.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.