Brands, Medical Use, Clinical Data
Drug Category
- Antirheumatic Agents, Gold
Dosage Forms
Brands / Synonyms
Auroafen; Ridaura; Ridaura
Indications
Used in the treatment of active, progressive or destructive forms of inflammatory arthritis, such as adult rheumatoid arthritis.
Pharmacology
Auranofin is a gold salt used in treating inflammatory arthritis. Gold salts are called second-line drugs because they are often considered when the arthritis progresses in spite of antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs and corticosteroids).
Mechanism of Action
Exactly how auranofin works is not well understood. In patients with inflammatory arthritis, such as adult and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, gold salts can decrease the inflammation of the joint lining. This effect can prevent destruction of bone and cartilage.
Absorption
Not Available
Toxicity
Oral, rat: LD50 = > 2000 mg/kg. Symptoms of overdose may include diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and symptoms of hypersensitivity (such as skin rash, hives, itching, and difficulty breathing).
Biotrnasformation / Drug Metabolism
Not Available
Contraindications
Not Available
Drug Interactions
Auranofin should be avoided by patients with a history of serious reaction to any gold medication, including Solganal and Myochrysine. Auranofin should not be used together with penicillamine (Depen, Cuprimine), another arthritis medication. It should also be avoided in patients with blood, liver or kidney diseases, recent radiation treatment, or uncontrolled diabetes. Patients should report to their practitioners any new rashes, itching, mouth sores, or unusual taste while taking auranofin. Gold is excreted slowly from the body. Safety and effectiveness in children has not been established.
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