Botulism in the paediatric age group (1–16 years) demands rapid clinical assessment and an age-adjusted treatment plan. Antitoxin dosing in this population is not identical to adult dosing — it is determined by the child's weight across a structured set of categories.
This protocol covers children aged 1–16 years presenting with botulism. Dosing of botulinum antitoxin in this group is weight-based, with ten distinct weight categories that determine the proportion of the adult dose to be administered.
The regimen combines supportive care — including intubation and mechanical ventilation when the clinical picture requires it — with intravenous antitoxin therapy dosed according to the child's weight. The full dosing algorithm, specific weight-category thresholds, and management sequence are available in the complete protocol.
The treatment target is no worsening of flaccid paralysis after antitoxin administration. Persistent neurological deterioration following treatment is a signal that the dose may have been insufficient, and warrants close monitoring and reassessment.