GENERIC NAME: aurothiomalate
BRAND NAME: Myochrysine
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Aurothiomalate is a gold salt
used in
treating inflammatory arthritis. Exactly how gold salts work 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. Gold salts are called second-line drugs because they
are often
considered when the arthritis persists in spite of
antiinflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs and corticosteroids).
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PREPARATIONS: Injectable solution: 50mg/ml.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, sealed container,
avoid
light.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Aurothiomalate is used in the treatment
of
active, progressive, or destructive forms of inflammatory
arthritis, such
as adult and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
DOSING: Should be given intramuscularly using sterile
technique.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Aurothiomalate should be avoided by
patients
with a history of serious reaction to any gold medication,
including Solganal and Ridaura. Aurothiomalate should not be used 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 aurothiomalate. Gold is excreted slowly from the
body. Safety
and effectiveness in children less than six years of age has
not been
established.
PREGNANCY: Usage in pregnant or nursing mothers is
generally
avoided.
NURSING MOTHERS: It has been
found in the breast milk
of nursing
mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects of gold salts can occur any
time
during treatment or months after treatment has been
discontinued. The most
common adverse reaction to aurothiomalate is inflamed skin. An
itching
sensation can be an early warning sign of skin reaction
(dermatitis).
Aurothiomalate can cause grayish blue discoloration of the
skin. It can
also cause a metallic taste and mouth sores. Because gold salts
can cause
serious kidney and bone marrow problems, all patients require
regular
blood and urine test monitoring. An unusual side effect of
injectable gold
is flushing, dizziness, and fainting immediately after the
injection.
Patients starting injectable gold are observed after the first
dose for
this problem. Rarely, patients can have severe allergic
reactions to
aurothiomalate resulting in shock.
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- auranofin, Ridaura - Source:MedicineNet
- Rheumatoid Arthritis - Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation, which has symptoms that include stiffness, fever, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis incorporates the use of first-line drugs (aspirin and corticosteroids for pain and inflammation) and second-line drugs (methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine to prevent joint destruction and promote remission). Source:MedicineNet
- aurothioglucose, Solganal - Source:MedicineNet
- Read 18 more aurothiomalate related articles ...
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Back to Medications IndexLast Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
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