Clindamycin
Clindamycin belongs to a class of antibiotics known as lincosamides. This class of antibiotics works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. Clindamycin specifically works by binding to the 50S subunit of the ribosome in bacteria. This inhibits peptidyl transferase activity and prevents the translocation of peptides during protein synthesis. As a result, bacterial growth is inhibited, and the bacteria are eventually killed. This medication is effective against several bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Propionibacterium acnes. In addition, because clindamycin has activity against Enterobius vermicularis or pinworms, it can be used to treat pinworm infections.
Doctors also prescribe it to treat untreated pinworms that lead to vulvovaginitis in prepubertal children. Pinworms can sometimes cause vulvovaginitis by migrating from the anus to the vulva or vagina. This is more likely to occur in young girls with acute pinworm infections. The migration of the worms can cause itching and irritation in the affected area. In addition, if a woman scratches the area, there is a risk of transferring eggs to her fingers, which could contaminate other surfaces. As a result, it is crucial to treat pinworm infection promptly to minimize the risk of complications such as vulvovaginitis.
