Which anthelmintic agent can be given as a single dose for pinworm treatment?

Pyrantel Pamoate is unique among the listed anthelmintic agents in that it can effectively treat pinworm infections with a single dose. This medication works by causing paralysis of the parasites, which allows them to be expelled from the body through normal bowel movements. It is particularly used in cases of enterobiasis (pinworm infection) due to its ease of dosing and effectiveness in this specific context.

Mebendazole and Albendazole, while also effective against pinworms, typically require multiple doses over a few days to ensure complete eradication of the worms and to prevent reinfection. These medications inhibit the worms’ ability to absorb glucose, leading to their eventual death, but the dosing regimen is not as straightforward as that of Pyrantel Pamoate. Levamisole is primarily used as an antihelminthic for other types of helminth infections and is not commonly indicated specifically for pinworm treatment. Therefore, Pyrantel Pamoate's ability to treat pinworms effectively in a single dose makes it the preferred choice for this particular situation.