Aurothioglucose
Gold thioglucose
Also known as: Solganal · Gold thioglucose · Gold salts · Chrysotherapy
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Dosing by species
Dosing data for this drug is not yet available in the VetSheet formulary. Every other section below is complete. Consult the current product label before prescribing.
Overview
Aurothioglucose is an injectable gold salt historically used in veterinary medicine for its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.
- This therapy, known as chrysotherapy, was primarily utilized for treating severe immune-mediated skin diseases such as pemphigus foliaceus and immune-mediated polyarthritis.
- Clinical Pearl: Due to the advent of safer, faster-acting, and more effective immunosuppressive agents (e.g., cyclosporine, mycophenolate, glucocorticoids), the use of aurothioglucose has largely fallen out of favor in modern veterinary practice.
- It requires a prolonged onset of action (often weeks to months) and carries a significant risk of severe, potentially life-threatening adverse effects, including profound bone marrow suppression and nephrotoxicity.
Mechanism of action
The exact mechanism of chrysotherapy remains incompletely understood, but it is known to exert profound immunomodulatory effects.
- Macrophage Inhibition: Gold compounds are taken up by macrophages → inhibition of phagocytosis → decreased release of lysosomal enzymes and inflammatory mediators.
- T-Cell Modulation: Alters cellular immunity by reducing the proliferation and activation of T-lymphocytes.
- Autoantibody Reduction: Decreases the production of rheumatoid factor and other autoantibodies.
- Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and complement activation, contributing to its anti-inflammatory effects.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Pre-existing renal disease
- Hepatic dysfunction
- Severe hematologic disorders or pre-existing cytopenias
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Pregnancy and lactation
- History of severe toxicity to heavy metals
Adverse effects
- Bone marrow suppression (thrombocytopenia, anemia, leukopenia)
- Nephrotoxicity (proteinuria, glomerulonephritis)
- Hepatotoxicity
- Stomatitis and oral ulcers
- Dermatologic reactions (Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Erythema multiforme)
- Anaphylaxis (rare)
Precautions
Strict Monitoring Required: Requires strict monitoring of complete blood counts (CBC) and urinalysis prior to every injection due to the high risk of cumulative toxicity. Discontinue immediately if proteinuria, significant drop in platelet count, or leukopenia develops. Must be administered via deep intramuscular injection.
Drug interactions
Increased risk of severe hematologic and renal toxicity.
Synergistic bone marrow suppression; use together with extreme caution.
Increased risk of blood dyscrasias.
Monitoring
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) with platelets (prior to every dose)
- Urinalysis (specifically monitoring for proteinuria prior to every dose)
- Liver enzyme panels
- Renal function panels (BUN, Creatinine)
- Clinical signs of bleeding, bruising, or oral ulcers
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Slowly and erratically absorbed from intramuscular injection sites due to its formulation as a suspension in sesame oil.
Distribution
Highly protein-bound (primarily to albumin). Accumulates heavily in the reticuloendothelial system, kidneys, liver, bone marrow, and spleen.
Metabolism
Gold salts are not significantly metabolized.
Elimination
Excreted primarily via the kidneys (urine) and to a lesser extent in feces. Excretion is very slow, and gold can remain in the body for months to years after discontinuation.
Overdose
Overdosage can lead to severe heavy metal toxicity.
- Symptoms: Profound bone marrow suppression (bleeding, severe infections), acute renal failure, and severe gastrointestinal signs.
- Treatment: Involves immediate discontinuation of the drug, aggressive supportive care, and potential use of heavy metal chelating agents such as dimercaprol (BAL) to enhance excretion.
Available products
Formulations
- Injectable suspension (in sesame oil)
Human-labeled
- Solganal (50 mg/mL suspension in sesame oil) - Historically available, now largely discontinued
Regulatory status
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇪🇺 EU · 🇬🇧 UK · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store at room temperature (15-30°C); protect from light. Do not freeze. Shake well before use to ensure uniform suspension.
Client information
Important Note: Gold salt therapy is rarely used today due to the availability of safer alternatives. If prescribed, it requires extreme dedication to monitoring and veterinary follow-ups.
- Delayed Effect: This medication takes several weeks to months to show beneficial effects. Do not stop the medication just because you don't see immediate improvement.
- Frequent Testing: Your pet will need frequent blood and urine tests (often weekly initially) to ensure the drug is not damaging their kidneys or bone marrow.
- Warning Signs: Watch closely for signs of bruising, bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds, blood in stool), lethargy, pale gums, or mouth sores. Contact your veterinarian immediately if any of these occur.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.