What is the recommended treatment for pinworm infection?

Mebendazole is the recommended treatment for pinworm infection, also known as enterobiasis. This medication is effective because it disrupts the metabolism of the pinworms, leading to their elimination from the body. Typically, a single dose is given, followed by a second dose two weeks later to prevent reinfection, since pinworm eggs can survive in the environment and lead to new infections.

Additionally, mebendazole is favored due to its safety profile and efficacy in treating this specific type of helminth infection. It is also important to advise patients to follow good hygiene practices, such as handwashing and cleaning bedding and undergarments, to reduce the chance of reinfection.

While albendazole is also an effective anti-parasitic drug, it is more commonly used for a broader range of parasitic infections, such as lymphatic filariasis and some types of intestinal worms. Metronidazole and praziquantel are not appropriate treatments for pinworm infections; metronidazole is primarily used for anaerobic infections and protozoal infections, while praziquantel is typically utilized for schistosomiasis and other trematode infections.