What is the first line therapy for viral hepatitis B?

The first line therapy for viral hepatitis B is Tenofovir. This medication is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor that effectively suppresses the replication of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the liver. By targeting the viral polymerase, Tenofovir reduces viral load, helps to achieve sustained virologic response, and prevents liver damage associated with chronic hepatitis B infection.

Tenofovir is preferred because of its potent antiviral activity and a favorable safety profile, including a lower risk for developing resistance compared to other antiviral options. In managing chronic hepatitis B, maintaining viral suppression is crucial to reduce the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Other medications listed, such as Ribavirin, are not standard treatments for hepatitis B. Ribavirin is primarily used for hepatitis C. Amoxicillin and Azithromycin are antibiotics effective against bacterial infections, not viral infections like hepatitis B. Therefore, Tenofovir stands out as the appropriate first-line therapy for managing this viral infection.