What medication is commonly prescribed for pinworm infections?

Mebendazole is the medication commonly prescribed for pinworm infections due to its effectiveness in targeting the specific parasites responsible for this condition. Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) are intestinal parasites that cause discomfort, particularly in children, and mebendazole works by inhibiting the worms' ability to absorb glucose, leading to their starvation and eventual elimination from the body.

Mebendazole is usually presented in a single dose, although it may be repeated after a few weeks to prevent reinfection, which can occur if hygiene practices are not improved. Its targeted mechanism makes it a preferred choice for treating pinworm infections compared to the other medications listed.

Other medications mentioned, such as metronidazole and tinidazole, are primarily used to treat different types of infections, including certain bacterial and protozoal infections, and are not the first-line treatments for pinworms. Azithromycin is an antibiotic effective against various bacterial infections but does not target parasitic infections like those caused by pinworms. Thus, mebendazole stands out as the optimal choice for pinworm treatment.