Treatment algorithm
Please note that formulations/routes and doses may differ between drug names and brands, drug formularies, or locations. Treatment recommendations are specific to patient groups: see disclaimer
vitamin A supplementation
Treatment recommended for SOME patients in selected patient group
Vitamin A is recommended in all serious cases of measles, even in countries where measles is not usually severe. A Cochrane review demonstrated a clinically meaningful association between vitamin A supplementation and decreased morbidity and mortality in children, though a specific association of vitamin A supplementation with reduction of measles morbidity and mortality was not shown.[37] Some studies have shown that high doses of vitamin A can decrease morbidity and mortality in children with measles.[2][21]
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Consider vitamin A in children who: are up to 2 years of age; are hospitalized with measles; have complications of measles; have immunodeficiency; have clinical evidence of vitamin A deficiency; have impaired intestinal absorption and malnutrition; or have recently emigrated from areas where measles mortality rates are high.[39]
Primary options
vitamin A (retinol): children <6 months of age: 50,000 units orally once daily for 2 days, repeat in 4 weeks if eye disease present; children 6-11 months of age: 100,000 units orally once daily for 2 days, repeat in 4 weeks if eye disease present; children ≥12 months of age: 200,000 units orally once daily for 2 days, repeat in 4 weeks if eye disease present
Choose a patient group to see our recommendations
Please note that formulations/routes and doses may differ between drug names and brands, drug formularies, or locations. Treatment recommendations are specific to patient groups. See disclaimer
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