I pray for therapeutic purposes.

Introduction

Gold compounds are mainly used in the treatment of rheumatoids. arthritis. Sin embargo, pueden ser útiles en el tratamiento de algunas enfermedades de la piel, como el pénfigo vulgar, la epidermólisis ampollosa adquirida y los graves o resistentes. cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

Another name for orally administered gold tablets is auranofin. The brand name in New Zealand is Ridaura®. Gold injection, known as sodium aurothiomalate, is also available.

How to use gold compounds

Gold compounds should only be used by a doctor experienced in their use, as there is a risk of toxicity It is high and the side effects are potentially dangerous. It is essential that treatment with the drug is no more disabling than the disease for which it is being treated.

Before starting treatment with gold compounds, a routine base The evaluation must include:

• complete blood cell count
• renal function tests
• liver function tests

Regular monitoring of these should continue throughout the treatment.

Doses similar to those used to treat rheumatoid arthritis are given. If there is no improvement by the time the total dose reaches 1 g, treatment should be discontinued.

Contraindications to gold

Gold compounds should not be used in the following circumstances:

• Progressive renal disease
• Severe asset hepatic disease
• History of hypersensitivity to gold compounds

Precautions when prescribing gold

Before starting treatment with gold compounds, the following should be considered:

• Allergies to any medicine, particularly any unusual or allergic reaction to gold or other metals
• The pregnancy
• Breast-feeding
• Other medical problems including:
  • blood or blood vessel disease
  • kidney disease
  • inflammatory gastrointestinal disease

Side effects of gold compounds.

In addition to their useful effects, gold compounds can also cause many side effects, some of which can be serious. These include:

• Skin rashes or itching: Generally mild, but in some cases may require stopping treatment
• Ulcers, sores or white spots on the lips or in the mouth or throat
• Skin pigmentation for prolonged treatment (chrysiasis)
• Loose stools or diarrhea: Generally mild and transient.
• Stomach pain or cramps, bloating, gas, or indigestion.
• Decreased or loss of appetite.
• Nausea or vomiting
• Decreased white blood cell count, possibly leading to blood disorders.
• Transient abnormalities in liver and kidney function tests.
• Confusion and seizures

Pharmacological interactions with gold compounds.

There is very little specific information on the interactions of gold compounds with other drugs. However, the potential to increase gold toxicity is great, particularly when administered with other medications that have an effect on the kidney, liver and blood systems. Such medications include penicillamine, aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, penicillins, phenylbutazone, phenytoin, sulfonamides, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), acyclovir and alcohol.