Disease-modifying drugs for progressive rheumatoid arthritis.
In patients with rheumatoid arthritis who do not respond to therapy with salicylates or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, stronger and potentially more toxic drugs are then considered. At the present time in the United States, this generally means a trial of hydroxychloroquine, gold, penicillamine, azathioprine, or cyclophosphamide. Each of these drugs is discussed with regard to pharmacology and possible modes of action, pertinent clinical studies, and toxicity.
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006051:Aurothioglucose / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002738:Chloroquine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006046:Gold / Q000009:adverse effects; D006052:Gold Sodium Thiomalate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced
D006052:Gold Sodium Thiomalate; D006051:Aurothioglucose; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine; D006046:Gold; D002738:Chloroquine; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D010396:Penicillamine; D001379:Azathioprine