Methylprednisolone acetate and Sodium Aurothiomalate

The combination of methylprednisolone acetate and sodium aurothiomalate is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. This combination therapy appears to be particularly effective for patients with severe, active rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded adequately to conventional treatments[1][6]. Methylprednisolone acetate is a corticosteroid that works by suppressing inflammation and modulating the immune system[4]. It's typically administered as an intramuscular injection in depot form, which provides a sustained release of the medication[6]. Sodium aurothiomalate (also known as gold sodium thiomalate) is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that contains gold[3]. It's administered via intramuscular injection and works through several mechanisms, including inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and suppressing synovitis in active rheumatoid disease[3][5]. When used together, methylprednisolone provides rapid relief of symptoms while sodium aurothiomalate offers longer-term disease modification. Studies have shown that methylprednisolone pulse therapy given at the start of gold treatment results in early improvement in synovitis, which is maintained until the usual delay in achieving a therapeutic effect from gold has elapsed[1]. Research indicates that intramuscular methylprednisolone is more effective than oral methylprednisolone when used in combination with sodium aurothiomalate therapy[6]. Specifically, 120 mg of intramuscular depot methylprednisolone acetate showed greater improvement in disease activity compared to 500 mg of oral methylprednisolone in rheumatoid arthritis patients starting on sodium aurothiomalate therapy[6]. The combination therapy has been used for both adult and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis[9]. However, it's important to note that this combination therapy requires careful monitoring due to potential side effects. Sodium aurothiomalate can cause adverse reactions affecting the skin, mucous membranes, and kidneys, while methylprednisolone may cause headache, increased appetite, skin changes, and fluid retention[4][7].

Other names

Gold sodium thiomalate