Name: Gold (Auranofin, Aurothioglucose)
Class: Slow-Acting Antirheumatic Agent
Mechanism: Unknown. May involve alteration of macrophage fxn.
Absorption: Auranofin—oral. Aurathioglucose—IM.
Dist.: 95% protein bound.
Metabolism.:
Excretion, t½: 65% in urine, 35% feces. 5-6 days.
Toxicity/S.E.s: Affects about 1/3 of patients. Mucocutaneous—pruritis & dermatitis. Renal—proteinuria, nephrotic synd., hematuria. Hematologic—eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anemia.
Utility: Treatment of patients w/rheumatoid arthritis who are unresponsive to NSAIDs or whose symptoms persist despite maximal tolerated doses of NSAIDs.
Special Features: