DMARD (oral gold compound)

Auranofin

Brand names: Ridaura

Auranofin is an orally administered gold compound (gold salt) historically used as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug in rheumatoid arthritis.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Its precise mechanism is not fully defined, but gold accumulates in synovial macrophages and is thought to modulate immune and inflammatory cell function, reducing joint inflammation.

Prescribing in practice

Can cause bone marrow suppression and proteinuria, so blood counts and urinalysis must be monitored throughout treatment.
It is now rarely used, having been largely superseded by methotrexate and biologic agents.
Diarrhoea and gastrointestinal upset are common and may limit tolerability.

Monitoring

Monitor full blood count, renal function and urine for protein periodically during therapy, with the frequency guided by current prescribing references.

Counselling the patient

Report any unexplained bruising, bleeding, sore throat or rash promptly.
Loose stools are common early in treatment and should be reported if persistent.

Evidence & guidelines

Oral gold has a long-established but limited evidence base and has largely been replaced by more effective disease-modifying therapies in current practice.

Reference: SmPC Ridaura; BSR Rheumatoid Arthritis Guideline 2018; EULAR RA Management 2022; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways