SPM – MCQ 124 – 10 month child with Bitot spots

A 10 month old child weighing 8kg has Bitot spots in both eyes. Which of the following is the most appropriate schedule to prescribe vitamin A to this child ?
A. 2 lakh units intramuscular (IM) on day 0, 14
B. 1 lakh units IM on day 0, 14
C. 2 lakh units IM on day 0, 1 and 14
D. 1 lakh units IM on day O, 1 and 14

Correct answer : D. 1 lakh units IM on day O, 1 and 14

WHO treatment schedule for active xerophthalmia:

– Medication given on day 0, 1 and 14
– Same dose on all 3 days
– Oral route preferred
– Age < 1year / any age with weight < 8kg - 50000 IU orally - Age > 1 year – 2 lakh IU orally / 1 lakh IU IM