What is aurothioglucose, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Aurothioglucose is a
gold-containing chemical (salt) used for treating
rheumatoid
arthritis. Other gold salts available include injectable
gold sodium
thiomalate (Myochrysine), and capsules,
auranofin
(Ridaura). It is not well understood exactly how gold salts work. In patients
with inflammatory
arthritis, such as adult and
juvenile
rheumatoid arthritis, gold salts can decrease the inflammation of the joint
lining. This effect prevents the inflammation from destroying the bone and
cartilage surrounding the joints and prevents or slows the development of
deformities of the joints. Because of their ability to prevent deformities, gold
salts are referred to as disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). DMARDs
like aurothioglucose may take weeks to months to become effective.
What brand names are available for aurothioglucose?
Solganal
Is aurothioglucose available as a generic drug?
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
Do I need a prescription for aurothioglucose?
Yes
What are the side effects of aurothioglucose?
The most common adverse reactions to
aurothioglucose is
dermatitis
(skin inflammation), pruritus (itching),
stomatitis (inflammation affecting the structures in the mouth such as cheeks,
gums, tongue, lips, throat). Aurothoglucose can also suppress the bone marrow
leading to abnormally low blood counts, including leukopenia, thrombocytopenia,
and anemia. It can also cause kidney damage manifest by protein loss in the
urine.
What is the dosage for aurothioglucose?
The usual initial adult dose is 10 mg followed by 25
mg for the second and third doses, then 50 mg weekly until 0.8 to1 g has been
administered. The usual dose for children is one-fourth of the adult dose of
aurothioglucose, exceeding 25 mg per dose.
Which drugs or supplements interact with aurothioglucose?
The concurrent use of
penicillamine
(Cuprimine, Depen) and aurothioglucose should be avoided as the combination
decreases the levels and efficacy of both drugs due to chelation (binding) of
the gold salt to the penicillamine.
QUESTION
The term arthritis refers to stiffness in the joints.
See Answer
Is aurothioglucose safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies
in pregnant women. Aurothioglucose should be used during
pregnancy only if
the potential benefit to the mother justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Aurothioglucose has been found in the
breast milk
of women. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants,
decisions should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the
drug.
What else should I know about aurothioglucose?
What preparations of aurothioglucose are available?
Injectable suspension: 50 mg/ml.
How should I keep aurothioglucose stored?
Aurothioglucose should be stored at room
temperature between 59 F and 86 F (15 C-30 C) away from light and moisture and
should not be frozen.