American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Which medication class is considered a first-line treatment for osteoarthritis?

1. Antibiotics

2. Acetaminophen

3. Anticonvulsants

4. Beta-blockers

The correct answer is: Acetaminophen

The first-line treatment for osteoarthritis is acetaminophen, which is often recommended due to its efficacy in relieving pain associated with this condition. Acetaminophen functions primarily as an analgesic and has a favorable safety profile, making it suitable for long-term use in managing chronic pain. It does not possess anti-inflammatory properties, but its ability to alleviate pain is generally effective in the early stages of osteoarthritis before more advanced interventions are considered. Other medications listed are not appropriate as first-line treatments for osteoarthritis. Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections, anticonvulsants are primarily indicated for seizure disorders and certain types of neuropathic pain, and beta-blockers are utilized for cardiovascular conditions and anxiety but do not address joint pain or inflammation. Thus, acetaminophen stands out as a focused and effective approach to managing osteoarthritis symptoms, aligning with clinical guidelines that emphasize its role in initial treatment strategies.