An unvaccinated 3-year-old child admitted with measles has conjunctival congestion and corneal haziness suggestive of early vitamin A deficiency. What is the recommended therapeutic dose of vitamin A in this child?
- A 50,000 IU once daily for 14 days
- B 100,000 IU orally on two consecutive days
- C 200,000 IU orally on two consecutive days ✓
- D 200,000 IU as a single dose followed by half the dose weekly for 4 weeks
Correct answer: C. 200,000 IU orally on two consecutive days
Explanation
WHO and IAP recommendations give age-based dosing: 200,000 IU orally on two consecutive days for children older than 12 months, and 100,000 IU per dose for infants under 12 months. A third dose may be given at follow-up if clinical signs of deficiency appear. Option B uses the infant dose and would be inadequate for a 3-year-old, while option D invents a schedule not found in standard guidelines.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.