When determining the correct dose of albendazole for a school-aged child who weighs 66 lbs, what is the appropriate dosage in mg for each dose of treatment?

To determine the correct dosage of albendazole for a school-aged child based on their weight, it is essential to use the recommended dosing guidelines, which typically suggest administering albendazole at a dose of 10 to 15 mg/kg of body weight.

First, convert the child's weight from pounds to kilograms. Since 1 kg equals approximately 2.2 lbs, a child weighing 66 lbs can be converted to kilograms using the following calculation:

66 lbs ÷ 2.2 lbs/kg = 30 kg.

Next, applying the dosing guideline of 10 to 15 mg/kg, we calculate the dosage range:

• For 10 mg/kg:

30 kg × 10 mg/kg = 300 mg.

• For 15 mg/kg:

30 kg × 15 mg/kg = 450 mg.

Seeing that the recommended dosage is between 300 mg and 450 mg, and considering the common practice of dosing albendazole for typical infections (especially for a broad-spectrum treatment), a dose of 225 mg is a suitable and conservative approach that falls within the generally acceptable dosing range without exceeding it.

The choice of 225 mg is appropriate, as it provides adequate coverage for treatment while considering safety and tolerance in children