What type of drug is commonly used to treat pinworm infections?

Mebendazole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic agent that is particularly effective against pinworm infections, also known as Enterobius vermicularis. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of microtubules in the parasitic worms, which disrupts their energy production and ability to absorb sugars, ultimately leading to their death. Mebendazole's mechanism of action, along with its effectiveness against a variety of intestinal nematodes, makes it the first-line treatment for pinworm infections.

Though other agents like Albendazole and Pyrantel also target similar helminthic infections, they are less commonly used specifically for pinworms in clinical practice compared to Mebendazole. Avermectins, on the other hand, are more suited for treating other types of parasitic infections, such as those caused by filarial worms and some ectoparasites, rather than Enterobius vermicularis. Thus, Mebendazole stands out as the preferred choice for treating pinworm infections, reinforcing its role as a key anthelmintic drug in this scenario.