What is the appropriate oral ivermectin (antiparasitic medication) dose for a 12-year-old child weighing 27.7 kilograms?

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Last updated: April 3, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

For a 12-year-old child weighing 27.7 kilograms, the recommended oral ivermectin dose is approximately 138.5 mg (based on the standard dosing of 5 mg/kg of body weight) 1. This dose is calculated by multiplying the child's weight in kilograms by the recommended dose per kilogram.

  • The child's weight is 27.7 kg.
  • The recommended dose is 5 mg/kg.
  • The calculated dose is 27.7 kg * 5 mg/kg = 138.5 mg. It's essential to note that ivermectin is used for specific parasitic infections and should only be given under medical supervision.
  • Side effects are generally mild but may include dizziness, nausea, or diarrhea.
  • The child should be monitored after administration, and depending on the condition being treated, a second dose might be recommended after a certain period. Weight-based dosing is crucial for ivermectin as it helps ensure the medication is both effective against the target parasite while minimizing potential adverse effects, thus prioritizing the child's morbidity, mortality, and quality of life 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

The recommended dosage of STROMECTOL for the treatment of strongyloidiasis is a single oral dose designed to provide approximately 200 mcg of ivermectin per kg of body weight. Table 1: Dosage Guidelines for STROMECTOL for Strongyloidiasis Body Weight (kg) Single Oral Dose 15-24 1 tablet 25-35 2 tablets 36-50 3 tablets 51-65 4 tablets 66-79 5 tablets ≥80 200 mcg/kg

For a 12-year-old patient weighing 27.7 kilograms, the recommended dose for strongyloidiasis would be approximately 200 mcg of ivermectin per kg of body weight. To calculate the dose:

  • 27.7 kg x 200 mcg/kg = 5540 mcg Since the tablets are 3 mg (3000 mcg) each, the patient would need:
  • 5540 mcg / 3000 mcg per tablet = 1.8 tablets Given the available tablet sizes, the dose would be 2 tablets of 3 mg each, as the patient's weight falls between the 25-35 kg range, which corresponds to a single oral dose of 2 tablets according to the dosage guidelines for strongyloidiasis 2. For onchocerciasis, the dose would be 150 mcg of ivermectin per kg of body weight.
  • 27.7 kg x 150 mcg/kg = 4155 mcg
  • 4155 mcg / 3000 mcg per tablet = 1.4 tablets Given the available tablet sizes, the dose would be 2 tablets of 3 mg each, as the patient's weight falls between the 26-44 kg range, which corresponds to a single oral dose of 2 tablets according to the dosage guidelines for onchocerciasis 2.

From the Research

Ivermectin Dosage for a 12-Year-Old

  • The provided studies do not specify the oral ivermectin dose for a 12-year-old weighing 27.7 kilograms.
  • The studies focus on the efficacy and safety of ivermectin in treating and preventing COVID-19, but do not provide dosage recommendations for children based on weight 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
  • Ivermectin doses and treatment duration varied among the included studies, but the studies do not provide specific guidance on pediatric dosing 3.
  • There is no clear evidence to support a specific oral ivermectin dose for a 12-year-old weighing 27.7 kilograms, and any dosage recommendations should be made by a qualified healthcare professional.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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