sodium aurothiomalate

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

Sodium aurothiomalate has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.  

It inhibits inflammatory processes and cytokine production, thereby suppressing the immune response involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.  

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency defined  

>10% 

Stomatitis  

Proteinuria  

Pruritis & rash  

1-10% 

Thrombocytopenia 

Leukopenia 

Frequency not defined 

Exfoliative dermatitis 

Nephropathy 

Agranulocytosis 

Aplastic anemia 

Enterocolitis 

Liver failure 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Sodium aurothiomalate is contraindicated in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to gold compounds. 

Caution: 

• Caution is advised in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment.  
• Sodium aurothiomalate is contraindicated in patients with certain hematologic disorders, such as aplastic anemia. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: C 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

Sodium aurothiomalate may affect the production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukins.  

Modulating these cytokines can help regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. 

Pharmacodynamics 

Sodium aurothiomalate has been associated with the inhibition of DNA synthesis.  

This effect may contribute to the suppression of immune cell proliferation and, consequently, the modulation of the immune response. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

Sodium aurothiomalate administered via intramuscular injection. The absorption process involves the drug entering the bloodstream from the injection site. 

Distribution 

Sodium aurothiomalate is distributed throughout the body. 

Metabolism 

Sodium aurothiomalate undergoes limited metabolism in the body.  

Elimination and excretion 

Excretion of sodium aurothiomalate occurs through the kidneys.

Adminstartion

Administration 

Sodium aurothiomalate is administered by intramuscular injection. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: sodium aurothiomalate 

Why do we use sodium aurothiomalate? 

Sodium aurothiomalate is used as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.  

Sodium aurothiomalate is indicated to modify the course of rheumatoid arthritis by influencing the underlying autoimmune and inflammatory processes.