Loose stools during auranofin treatment: clinical study and some pathogenetic possibilities

Loose stools, one of the most frequent adverse reactions ascribed to the orally absorbed gold compound auranofin (AF), was studied during a longterm trial. At some time during the study 44% of 25 patients reported the occurrence of loose stools. No infection or signs of malabsorption were found; nor were loose stools caused by the presence of osmotically active substances in the gut lumen. Arguments for a direct effect of AF on the ion and water absorption in the intestine are given. Although no morphological studies on biopsy material are available, the known side effects of the drug do not seem to warrant its discontinuation in suitable patients.