Gold salts

Gold salts are ionic chemical compounds of gold. The term, which is a misnomer, has evolved into a synonym for the gold compounds used in medicine. The application of gold compounds to medicine is called "chrysotherapy" and "aurotherapy." The first reports of research in this area appeared in 1935, primarily to reduce inflammation and to slow disease progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The use of gold compounds decreased since the 1990s because of numerous side effects and monitoring requirements, limited efficacy, and very slow onset of action. Most chemical compounds of gold, including some of the drugs discussed below, are not, in fact, salts but are examples of metal thiolate complexes.

Medical uses

Investigation of medical applications of gold salts began at the end of the 19th century, when gold cyanide demonstrated effectiveness against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Indications

The use of injected gold salts is indicated for rheumatoid arthritis. However, the use of gold is now rare due to numerous side effects, the need for continual patient monitoring, limited efficacy and slow onset of action. The efficacy of orally administered gold is even more limited than injectable gold compounds.