Auranofin

Auranofin is a gold complex classified by the World Health Organization as an antirheumatic agent. It has the brand name Ridaura.

Auranofin

Ridauran; SK&F 39162; NSC321521

Goldar, Ridaura

[(2R,3R,4S,5R,6S)-3,4,5-tris(acetyloxy)-6-{[(triethyl-??-phosphanylidene)aurio]sulfanyl}oxan-2-yl]methyl acetate

These are also called as second-line drugs because they are often considered when the arthritis progresses in spite of antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs and corticosteroids). Auranofin is a gold salt used in treating inflammatory arthritis. 

6 mg/day in 2 divided doses

Rheumatoid arthritis.

Nausea, proteinuria, vomiting, alopoecia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, nephrotic syndrome, thrombocytopenia,  metallic taste, aplastic anaemia, pruritus, rash; dermatitis, lesions of mucous membranes, blood dyscrasias, ulcerative enterocolitis, pulmonary fibrosis, stomatitis, psychosis; haematuria.

• Increased risk of toxicity with other nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic or myelosuppressive drugs.
• Possible increased risk of nitritoid reactions when used with ACE inhibitors.
• Possible increase in phenytoin level in blood.

• Necrotising enterocolitis, pulmonary fibrosis, exfoliative dermatitis, bone marrow aplasia
• Congestive heart failure, SLE, renal dysfunction; history of blood dyscrasias
• Lactation
•  Porphyria.

Store at 15-30°C

Molecular weight

678.484

Molecular formula

C20H34AuO9PS

CAS number

34031-32-8

Precautions

• Monitor urine and blood tests before starting therapy and mthly thereafter.
• Alternative treatment will be considered in patients with history of inflammatory bowel disease, dermatitis and hepatic impairment.
• Withdraw treatment when platelets drop <100 000/mm3 or if there are signs and symptoms of thrombocytopenia.
• Pregnancy.