Metronidazole
Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms. It works by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Metronidazole is effective against infections caused by various types of bacteria, including obligate anaerobes and microaerophilic bacteria. Metronidazole is used to treat infections caused by pinworms, including enterobiasis and trichuriasis. Metronidazole is ineffective against other parasites, such as roundworms, tapeworms, flukes, or trematodes.
The recommended metronidazole dosage for pinworm infections is 500 mg twice daily for three days. The timing of the doses is crucial because it takes about three days for all the eggs to be killed. Thus, it is important to take two doses apart for twelve hours to kill all the eggs. It is essential to follow good hygiene practices. This includes washing hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before handling food. It is also vital to keep fingernails clean and short. In addition, bed linens, clothing, and towels should be washed in hot water to kill any remaining eggs.
