Review of auranofin, an oral chrysotherapeutic agent.
|
| Abstract |
The chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical use and efficacy, adverse effects, and dosage of auranofin, an oral chrysotherapeutic agent used in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, are reviewed. Auranofin is lipid-soluble and is monomeric in solution. It has a modulatory effect on both the humoral and cellular immune systems. Auranofin may be a condition-dependent immunoregulating agent rather than an immunosuppressive agent. It inhibits (1) monocyte-mediated antibody-dependent cellular toxicity, (2) release of enzymes from polymorphonuclear leukocytes that may contribute to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, and (3) neutrophil activity. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 15-33% of an oral dose of auranofin 6 mg is absorbed. Peak plasma gold concentrations are achieved in one to two hours. Gold is highly protein bound. Elimination occurs through the feces and urine; 73-100% of auranofin gold is excreted. Plasma half-life is three weeks. Patients receiving auranofin 3 mg twice daily for rheumatoid arthritis reported improvement after five weeks of therapy; improvement has also been reported with lower doses. Diarrhea, rashes, and pruritus were the most common adverse effects. Auranofin is safe and effective for short- and long-term treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Its relative safety and potency compared with injectable gold salts and other drugs need further study.
|
|---|---|
| Authors | J C Delafuente, T G Osborn |
| Journal | Clinical pharmacy (Clin Pharm) 1984 Mar-Apr Vol. 3 Issue 2 Pg. 121-7 ISSN: 0278-2677 [Print] United States |
| PMID | 6426843 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review) |
| Chemical References |
|
| Topics |
|
Join CureHunter, for free Research Interface BASIC access!
Realize the full power of the drug-disease research graph!