disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), a classification of antirheumatic agents referring to their ability to modify the course of disease, as opposed to simply treating symptoms such as inflammation and pain. Agents in this group include auranofin, azathioprine, cyclosporine, gold salts, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide, methotrexate, d-penicillamine, and sulfasalazine.