Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
  • A61K31/33—Heterocyclic compounds
  • A61K31/335—Heterocyclic compounds having oxygen as the only ring hetero atom, e.g. fungichromin
  • A61K31/35—Heterocyclic compounds having oxygen as the only ring hetero atom, e.g. fungichromin having six-membered rings with one oxygen as the only ring hetero atom
  • A61K31/352—Heterocyclic compounds having oxygen as the only ring hetero atom, e.g. fungichromin having six-membered rings with one oxygen as the only ring hetero atom condensed with carbocyclic rings, e.g. methantheline 
  • A61K31/353—3,4-Dihydrobenzopyrans, e.g. chroman, catechin
  • A61K31/355—Tocopherols, e.g. vitamin E
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
  • A61K31/33—Heterocyclic compounds
  • A61K31/395—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins
  • A61K31/55—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins having seven-membered rings, e.g. azelastine, pentylenetetrazole
  • A61K31/551—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins having seven-membered rings, e.g. azelastine, pentylenetetrazole having two nitrogen atoms, e.g. dilazep
  • A61K31/5513—1,4-Benzodiazepines, e.g. diazepam or clozapine
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K47/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient
  • A61K47/06—Organic compounds, e.g. natural or synthetic hydrocarbons, polyolefins, mineral oil, petrolatum or ozokerite
  • A61K47/22—Heterocyclic compounds, e.g. ascorbic acid, tocopherol or pyrrolidones
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K8/00—Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations
  • A61K8/18—Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by the composition
  • A61K8/30—Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by the composition containing organic compounds
  • A61K8/67—Vitamins
  • A61K8/678—Tocopherol, i.e. vitamin E
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
  • A61K9/0012—Galenical forms characterised by the site of application
  • A61K9/0043—Nose
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
  • A61K9/0012—Galenical forms characterised by the site of application
  • A61K9/007—Pulmonary tract; Aromatherapy
  • A61K9/0073—Sprays or powders for inhalation; Aerolised or nebulised preparations generated by other means than thermal energy
  • A61K9/008—Sprays or powders for inhalation; Aerolised or nebulised preparations generated by other means than thermal energy comprising drug dissolved or suspended in liquid propellant for inhalation via a pressurized metered dose inhaler [MDI]
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P25/00—Drugs for disorders of the nervous system
  • A61P25/08—Antiepileptics; Anticonvulsants
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P25/00—Drugs for disorders of the nervous system
  • A61P25/22—Anxiolytics

Definitions

• This application relates to the nasal administration of benzodiazepine drugs and combinations thereof.
• the benzodiazepine family consists of drugs such as diazepam, lorazepam, and medazepam.
• the drugs in this family have been observed as possessing sedative, tranquilizing and muscle relaxing properties. They are frequently classified as an anxiolytic and skeletal muscle relaxants. They are thought to be useful in preventing, treating, or ameliorating the symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, agitation, seizures (such as those caused by epilepsy), muscle spasms and rigidity (which can be caused by tetanus), the symptoms of drug withdrawal associated with the continuous abuse of central nervous system depressants, and exposure to nerve agents.
• Benzodiazepines are thought to act by binding to the GABA A receptor of a neuron, possibly causing the receptor to change shape and making it more accessible to gama-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
• GABA gama-aminobutyric acid
• GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that, when bound to the GABA A receptor, facilitates Cl ⁇ ions flooding into the neuron to which the receptor is bound.
• the increase in Cl ⁇ ions hyperpolarizes the membrane of the neuron. This completely or substantially reduces the ability of the neuron to carry an action potential.
• Targeting this receptor is particularly useful in treating many disorders, such as tetanus and epilepsy, which may result from too many action potentials proceeding through the nervous system.
• the oral route of administration may be considered sub-optimal due to several disadvantages.
• the amount of time required for an orally administered benzodiazepine drug to reach therapeutically relevant concentrations in blood plasma may be rather long, such as an hour or more.
• benzodiazepine drugs pass through the liver a significant amount may be metabolized. Thus, it may require large doses to achieve therapeutic plasma levels.
• due to the nature of seizures and muscle spasms it can be extremely difficult for either a patient or a care-giver to administer the benzodiazepine drug orally.
• Intravenous administration perhaps provides a faster route of administration.
• intravenous administration is generally limited to trained health care professionals in tightly controlled clinical settings. Additionally, sterility must be maintained. Furthermore, administering any drug intravenously can be painful and is likely impractical for patients suffering from a phobia of needles.
• Suppository compositions of benzodiazepine drugs can have a rapid onset of action.
• the inconvenience of suppositories is an obvious impediment to their being administered by anyone outside a very small group of the patient's intimate acquaintances and the patient's professional medical caretakers.
• the pharmaceutical composition for nasal administration comprises: a benzodiazepine drug; one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 30% to about 95% (w/w); and one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 5% to about 70% (w/w), preferably about 10% to about 70% (w/w) in a pharmaceutically-acceptable formulation for administration to one or more nasal mucosal membranes of the patient.
• the benzodiazepine drug is dissolved in the one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 30% to about 95% (w/w); and the one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 5% to about 70% (w/w), preferably about 10% to about 70% (w/w).
• the benzodiazepine drug is dissolved in a carrier system.
• at least part of the benzodiazepine drug is in a form comprising benzodiazepine microparticles, nanoparticles or combinations thereof.
• the composition is substantially free of benzodiazepine microparticles, nanoparticles or combinations thereof.
• the benzodiazepine drug is selected from the group consisting of: alprazolam, brotizolam, chlordiazepoxide, clobazam, clonazepam, clorazepam, demoxazepam, diazepam, flumazenil, flurazepam, halazepam, midazolam, nordazepam, medazepam, nitrazepam, oxazepam, medazepam, lorazepam, prazepam, quazepam, triazolam, temazepam, loprazolam, any pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, and any combinations thereof.
• the benzodiazepine drug is diazepam, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof. In some embodiments, the benzodiazepine drug comprises benzodiazepine microparticles, nanoparticles, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the benzodiazepine nanoparticles have an effective average particle size of less than about 5000 nm. In some embodiments, the benzodiazepine drug is substantially free of benzodiazepine microparticles, nanoparticles or combinations thereof.
• the one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols are selected from the group consisting of: ⁇ -tocopherol, ⁇ -tocopherol, ⁇ -tocopherol, ⁇ -tocopherol, ⁇ -tocotrienol, ⁇ -tocotrienol, ⁇ -tocotrienol, tocophersolan, any isomers thereof, any esters thereof, any analogs or derivatives thereof, and any combinations thereof.
• a synthetic tocopherol can include Vitamin E TPGS (Vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate).
• synthetic tocopherols exclude tocopherols covalently bonded or linked (e.g. through a diacid linking group) to a glycol polymer, such as polyethylene glycol).
• a glycol polymer such as polyethylene glycol
• the compositions described herein exclude Vitamin E TPGS.
• one or more alcohols are selected from the group consisting of: ethanol, propyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, pentanol, benzyl alcohol, any isomers thereof, or any combinations thereof.
• the one or more glycols are selected from the group consisting of: ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, any isomers thereof, and any combinations thereof.
• the glycols exclude glycol polymers.
• the glycols exclude glycol polymers having an average molecular weight of greater than 200.
• the glycols exclude polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of greater than about 200.
• the benzodiazepine drug is present in the carrier system in a concentration from about 1 mg/mL to about 600 mg/mL. In some embodiments, the benzodiazepine drug is present in a carrier system in a concentration from about 10 mg/mL to about 250 mg/mL. In some embodiments, the benzodiazepine is present in a carrier system in a concentration from about 20 mg/mL to about 50 mg/mL.
• the carrier system comprises one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 45% to about 85% (w/w). In some embodiments, the carrier system comprises one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 60% to about 75% (w/w). In some embodiments, the carrier system comprises one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount of about 70% (w/w).
• the carrier system comprises one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 10% to about 70% (w/w). In some embodiments, the carrier system comprises one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 15% to about 55% (w/w).
• the carrier system comprises one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 25% to about 40% (w/w). In some embodiments, the carrier system comprises one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount of about 30% (w/w).
• the composition comprises at least one additional ingredient selected from the group consisting of: active pharmaceutical ingredients; enhancers; excipients; and agents used to adjust the pH, buffer the composition, prevent degradation, and improve appearance, odor, or taste.
• the composition comprises one or more additional excipients, such as one or more parabens, one or more povidones, and/or one or more alkyl glycosides.
• the invention also discloses a method of treating a patient with a disorder that may be treatable with a benzodiazepine drug.
• the patient is a human.
• the method comprises: administering to one or more nasal mucosal membranes of a patient a pharmaceutical composition for nasal administration comprising a benzodiazepine drug; one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 30% to about 95% (w/w); and one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 5% to about 70%, preferably about 10% to about 70% (w/w).
• the benzodiazepine is dissolved in the one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 30% to about 95% (w/w); and the one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 5% to about 70%, preferably about 10% to about 70% (w/w).
• the benzodiazepine drug is dissolved in a carrier system.
• the benzodiazepine drug includes benzodiazepine microparticles, nanoparticles, or combinations thereof.
• the composition is substantially free of benzodiazepine microparticles, nanoparticles or combinations thereof.
• the benzodiazepine drug is selected from the group consisting of: alprazolam, brotizolam, chlordiazepoxide, clobazam, clonazepam, clorazepam, demoxazepam, diazepam, flumazenil, flurazepam, halazepam, midazolam, nordazepam, medazepam, nitrazepam, oxazepam, medazepam, lorazepam, prazepam, quazepam, triazolam, temazepam, loprazolam, or any pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, and any combinations thereof.
• the benzodiazepine drug is diazepam, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof. In some embodiments, the benzodiazepine drug is fully dissolved in a single phase comprising one or more one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols and one or more alcohols or glycols. In some embodiments, the benzodiazepine drug comprises benzodiazepine microparticles, nanoparticles, or combinations thereof. In some such embodiments, the composition further comprises water. In some embodiments, the benzodiazepine nanoparticles have an effective average particle size of less than about 5000 nm. In some embodiments, the composition is substantially free of benzodiazepine microparticles, nanoparticles or combinations thereof.
• the one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols are selected from the group consisting of: ⁇ -tocopherol, ⁇ -tocopherol, ⁇ -tocopherol, ⁇ -tocopherol, ⁇ -tocotrienol, ⁇ -tocotrienol, ⁇ -tocotrienol, tocophersolan, any isomers thereof, any esters thereof, any analogs or derivatives thereof, and any combinations thereof.
• the one or more alcohols are selected from the group consisting of: ethanol, propyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, pentanol, benzyl alcohol, any isomers thereof, and any combinations thereof.
• the one or more glycols are selected from the group consisting of: ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, any isomers thereof, and any combinations thereof.
• the alcohol or glycol is free of water (dehydrated, USP).
• the alcohol is ethanol (dehydrated, USP).
• the benzodiazepine drug is present in the carrier system in a concentration from about 1 mg/mL to about 600 mg/mL. In some embodiments, the benzodiazepine drug is present in the carrier system in a concentration of from about 10 mg/mL to about 250 mg/mL. In some embodiments, the benzodiazepine drug is present in the carrier system in a concentration of from about 20 mg/mL to about 50 mg/mL.
• the carrier system comprises one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 45% to about 85% (w/w). In some embodiments, the carrier system comprises one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 60% to about 75% (w/w). In some embodiments, the carrier system comprises one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount of about 70% (w/w).
• the carrier system comprises one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 15% to about 55% (w/w). In some embodiments, the carrier system comprises one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 25% to about 40% (w/w). In some embodiments, the carrier system comprises one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 30% (w/w).
• the composition comprises at least one additional ingredient selected from the group consisting of: active pharmaceutical ingredients; enhancers; excipients; and agents used to adjust the pH, buffer the composition, prevent degradation, and improve appearance, odor, or taste.
• the composition is in a pharmaceutically-acceptable spray formulation, and further comprising administering the composition to one or more nasal mucosal membranes of the patient.
• the therapeutically effective amount is from about 1 mg to about 20 mg of the benzodiazepine.
• the pharmaceutical composition is in a pharmaceutically-acceptable spray formulation having volume from about 10 ⁇ L to 200 ⁇ L.
• the administration of the composition comprises spraying at least a portion of the therapeutically effective amount of the composition into at least one nostril. In some embodiments, the administration of the composition comprises spraying at least a portion of the therapeutically effective amount of the composition into each nostril. In some embodiments, the administration of the composition comprises spraying a first quantity of the composition into the first nostril, spraying a second quantity of the composition into a second nostril, and optionally after a pre-selected time delay, spraying a third quantity of the composition into the first nostril. Some embodiments further comprise, optionally after a pre-selected time delay, administering at least a fourth quantity of the composition to the second nostril.
• the administration of the composition begins at any time before or after onset of symptoms of a disorder which may be treatable with the composition.
• compositions of one or more benzodiazepine drugs are provided herein. Such pharmaceutical compositions are administered nasally.
• the pharmaceutical composition for nasal administration comprises: a benzodiazepine drug; one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 30% to about 95% (w/w); and one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 10% to about 70% (w/w) in a pharmaceutically-acceptable formulation for administration to one or more nasal mucosal membranes of the patient.
• the benzodiazepine drug is dissolved in the one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 30% to about 95% (w/w); and the one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 10% to about 70% (w/w).
• the benzodiazepine drug is dissolved in a carrier system.
• at least part of the benzodiazepine drug is in a form of microparticles, nanoparticles, or combinations thereof.
• the composition is substantially free of benzodiazepine microparticles, nanoparticles or combinations thereof.
• the pharmaceutical composition for nasal administration comprises: a benzodiazepine drug; one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 30% to about 95% (w/w); and one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 5% to about 70% (w/w) in a pharmaceutically-acceptable formulation for administration to one or more nasal mucosal membranes of the patient.
• the benzodiazepine drug is dissolved in the one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 30% to about 95% (w/w); and the one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 5% to about 70% (w/w).
• the benzodiazepine drug is dissolved in a carrier system.
• at least part of the benzodiazepine drug is in a form of microparticles, nanoparticles, or combinations thereof.
• the composition is substantially free of benzodiazepine microparticles, nanoparticles or combinations thereof.
• the benzodiazepine drug is selected from the group consisting of: alprazolam, brotizolam, chlordiazepoxide, clobazam, clonazepam, clorazepam, demoxazepam, diazepam, flumazenil, flurazepam, halazepam, midazolam, nordazepam, medazepam, nitrazepam, oxazepam, medazepam, lorazepam, prazepam, quazepam, triazolam, temazepam, loprazolam, any pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, and any combinations thereof.
• the benzodiazepine drug is diazepam, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.
• the benzodiazepine drug comprises benzodiazepine microparticles, nanoparticles, or combinations thereof.
• the benzodiazepine nanoparticles have an effective average particle size of less than about 5000 nm.
• the composition is substantially free of benzodiazepine microparticles, nanoparticles or combinations thereof.
• the one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols are selected from the group consisting of: ⁇ -tocopherol, ⁇ -tocopherol, ⁇ -tocopherol, ⁇ -tocopherol, ⁇ -tocotrienol, ⁇ -tocotrienol, ⁇ -tocotrienol, tocophersolan, any isomers thereof, any esters thereof, any analogs or derivatives thereof, and any combinations thereof.
• the carrier system includes one or more synthetic tocopherols having a polymer glycol covalently bonded or linked to a tocopherol core, such as Vitamin E TPGS, which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,985, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• Vitamin E TPGS can be a desirable excipient for stabilizing the particulate (microparticle, nanoparticle or combination) suspension.
• the carrier system specifically excludes synthetic tocopherols having a polymer glycol covalently bonded or linked to a tocopherol core, such as Vitamin E TPGS, which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,985, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• one or more alcohols are selected from the group consisting of: ethanol, propyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, pentanol, benzyl alcohol, any isomers thereof, or any combinations thereof.
• the alcohol is ethanol (dehydrated, USP).
• the one or more glycols are selected from the group consisting of: ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, any isomers thereof, and any combinations thereof.
• the glycol is propylene glycol USP.
• a synthetic tocopherol can include Vitamin E TPGS (Vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate).
• synthetic tocopherols exclude tocopherols covalently bonded or linked (e.g. through a diacid linking group) to a glycol polymer, such as polyethylene glycol).
• a glycol polymer such as polyethylene glycol
• the compositions described herein exclude Vitamin E TPGS.
• the benzodiazepine drug is present in the carrier system in a concentration from about 1 mg/mL to about 600 mg/mL. In some embodiments, the benzodiazepine drug is present in a carrier system in a concentration from about 10 mg/mL to about 250 mg/mL. In some embodiments, the benzodiazepine is present in a carrier system in a concentration from about 20 mg/mL to about 50 mg/mL.
• the carrier system comprises one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 45% to about 85% (w/w). In some embodiments, the carrier system comprises one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 60% to about 75% (w/w). In some embodiments, the carrier system comprises one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount of about 70% (w/w). In some embodiments, a synthetic tocopherol can include Vitamin E TPGS (Vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate).
• synthetic tocopherols exclude tocopherols covalently bonded or linked (e.g. through a diacid linking group) to a glycol polymer, such as polyethylene glycol).
• a glycol polymer such as polyethylene glycol
• the compositions described herein exclude Vitamin E TPGS.
• the carrier system comprises one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 10% to about 55%, about 10% to about 40%, about 10% to about 35%, about 12% to about 55%, about 12% to about 40%, about 12% to about 35%, about 15% to about 55%, about 15% to about 40%, about 15% to about 35%, about 10%, about 12.5%, about 15%, about 17.5%, about 20%, about 22.5%, about 25%, about 27.5%, about 30%, about 32.5%, about 35%, about 37.5%, about 40%, about 42.5%, about 45%, about 47.5%, about 50%, about 52.5% or about 55% (w/w).
• the carrier system comprises one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 25% to about 40% (w/w). In some embodiments, the carrier system comprises one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount of about 30% (w/w). In some embodiments, the alcohol is ethanol or contains ethanol. In some preferred embodiments, the glycols exclude glycol polymers. In some preferred embodiments, the glycols exclude glycol polymers having an average molecular weight of greater than 200. In some embodiments, the glycols exclude polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of greater than about 200.
• the carrier system comprises one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 15% to about 55% (w/w). In some embodiments, the carrier system comprises one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 25% to about 40% (w/w). In some embodiments, the carrier system comprises one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount of about 30% (w/w).
• the composition comprises at least one additional ingredient selected from the group consisting of: active pharmaceutical ingredients; enhancers; excipients; and agents used to adjust the pH, buffer the composition, prevent degradation, and improve appearance, odor, or taste.
• compositions comprise at least one alkyl glycoside.
• the at least one alkyl glycoside is one described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,130, which is incorporated by reference herein.
• the composition comprises a benzodiazepine drug that is fully dissolved in a solvent comprising a natural or synthetic tocopherol or tocotrienol, and an alcohol or glycol. In some embodiments, the composition comprises a benzodiazepine drug that is fully dissolved in a solvent comprising a natural or synthetic tocopherol or tocotrienol and an alcohol or glycol, wherein the solution is at least substantially free of water.
• the composition consists essentially of a benzodiazepine drug that is fully dissolved in a solvent consisting of one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, one or more alcohols or glycols, and optionally one or more alkyl glycosides.
• the composition consists essentially of a benzodiazepine drug that is fully dissolved in a solvent consisting of one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, one or more alcohols or glycols, and optionally one or more alkyl glycosides wherein the solution is at least substantially free of water.
• the composition consists of a benzodiazepine dissolved in a solvent consisting of one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, one or more alcohols or glycols, and optionally one or more alkyl glycosides.
• the composition consists of a benzodiazepine dissolved in a solvent consisting of one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, one or more alcohols or glycols, and optionally one or more alkyl glycosides, wherein the solution is at least substantially free of water.
• a solvent consisting of one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, one or more alcohols or glycols, and optionally one or more alkyl glycosides, wherein the solution is at least substantially free of water.
• substantially free of water indicates that the solution contains less than about 1%, less than about 0.5%, less than about 0.25% or less than about 0.1% water.
• the composition comprises a benzodiazepine drug that is fully dissolved in a solvent comprising a natural or synthetic tocopherol or tocotrienol, and an alcohol or glycol.
• the composition is substantially free of benzodiazepine microparticles, nanoparticles or combinations thereof.
• the composition comprises a benzodiazepine drug that is fully dissolved in a solvent comprising a natural or synthetic tocopherol or tocotrienol and an alcohol or glycol, wherein the solution is at least substantially free of water.
• the composition consists essentially of a benzodiazepine drug that is fully dissolved in a solvent consisting of one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, one or more alcohols or glycols, and optionally one or more alkyl glycosides.
• the composition consists essentially of a benzodiazepine drug that is fully dissolved in a solvent consisting of one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, one or more alcohols or glycols, and optionally one or more alkyl glycosides wherein the solution is at least substantially free of water.
• the composition consists of a benzodiazepine dissolved in a solvent consisting of one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols, one or more alcohols or glycols, and optionally one or more alkyl glycosides. In some embodiments, the composition consists of a benzodiazepine dissolved in a solvent consisting of one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols, one or more alcohols or glycols, and optionally one or more alkyl glycosides, wherein the solution is at least substantially free of water. (In some embodiments, “substantially free of water” indicates that the solution contains less than about 1%, less than about 0.5%, less than about 0.25% or less than about 0.1% water.)
• the composition contains a benzodiazepine drug that at least partially in a particulate form suspended in a carrier system containing a natural or synthetic tocopherol or tocotrienol and one or more alcohols or glycols. In some embodiments, substantially all the benzodiazepine drug is in a particulate form. In some embodiments, at least part of the benzodiazepine drug is in a microparticulate or nanoparticulate form.
• the carrier system is one in which the amount of at least one benzodiazepine present in the composition exceeds its solubility in the carrier system.
• a carrier system in such a composition includes water. In some embodiments, such a liquid carrier system contains water and one or more excipients.
• one or more excipients are dissolved or suspended in the carrier system. In some embodiments, at least one such excipient stabilizes the suspension of benzodiazepine particulates in the carrier system.
• the carrier system may contain varying concentrations of parabens (e.g. methylparaben, propylparaben, etc.), and/or varying amounts of one or more surfactants, such as povidone (polyvinyl pyrrolidinone).
• benzodiazepine particulate suspensions specifically exclude one or more polymeric glycols, such as polyethylene glycol.
• benzodiazepine particulate suspensions specifically exclude one or more polymeric glycols having a molecular weight greater than about 200 g/mol.
• the composition comprises a benzodiazepine drug in a form including benzodiazepine microparticles and/or nanoparticles suspended in a carrier system comprising synthetic tocopherol, one or more parabens, one or more alcohols or glycols, one or more surfactants and water.
• the composition comprises a benzodiazepine drug in a form including benzodiazepine microparticles or nanoparticles suspended in a carrier system comprising Vitamin E TPGS, one or both of methylparaben and propylparaben, at least one glycol, povidone and water.
• the composition comprises a benzodiazepine drug in a form including benzodiazepine microparticles and/or nanoparticles suspended in a carrier system comprising Vitamin E TPGS, methylparaben, propylparaben, propylene glycol, povidone and water.
• the composition consists essentially of a benzodiazepine drug in a form including benzodiazepine microparticles and/or nanoparticles suspended in a carrier system consisting essentially of a synthetic tocopherol, one or more parabens, one or more alcohols or glycols, one or more surfactants and water.
• the composition consists essentially of a benzodiazepine drug in a form including benzodiazepine microparticles or nanoparticles suspended in a carrier system consisting essentially of Vitamin E TPGS, one or both of methylparaben and propylparaben, at least one glycol, povidone and water.
• the composition consists essentially of a benzodiazepine drug in a form including benzodiazepine microparticles and/or nanoparticles suspended in a carrier system consisting essentially of Vitamin E TPGS, methylparaben, propylparaben, propylene glycol, povidone and water.
• the composition consists of a benzodiazepine drug in a form including benzodiazepine microparticles and/or nanoparticles suspended in a carrier system consisting of a synthetic tocopherol, one or more parabens, one or more alcohols or glycols, one or more surfactants and water.
• the composition consists of a benzodiazepine drug in a form including benzodiazepine microparticles or nanoparticles suspended in a carrier system consisting of Vitamin E TPGS, one or both of methylparaben and propylparaben, at least one glycol, povidone and water.
• the composition consists of a benzodiazepine drug in a form including benzodiazepine microparticles and/or nanoparticles suspended in a carrier system consisting of Vitamin E TPGS, methylparaben, propylparaben, propylene glycol, povidone and water.
• the composition contains a benzodiazepine drug that at least partially in a particulate form suspended in a carrier system containing a natural or synthetic tocopherol or tocotrienol, one or more alcohols or glycols, and an alkyl glycoside.
• substantially all the benzodiazepine drug is in a particulate form.
• at least part of the benzodiazepine drug is in a microparticulate or nanoparticulate form.
• the carrier system is one in which the amount of at least one benzodiazepine present in the composition exceeds its solubility in the carrier system.
• a carrier system in such a composition includes water.
• such a liquid carrier system contains water and one or more excipients.
• one or more excipients are dissolved or suspended in the carrier system.
• at least one such excipient stabilizes the suspension of benzodiazepine particulates in the carrier system.
• the carrier system may contain varying concentrations of parabens (e.g. methylparaben, propylparaben, etc.), and/or varying amounts of one or more surfactants, such as povidone (polyvinyl pyrrolidinone).
• benzodiazepine particulate suspensions specifically exclude one or more polymeric glycols, such as polyethylene glycol.
• benzodiazepine particulate suspensions specifically exclude one or more polymeric glycols having a molecular weight greater than about 200 g/mol.
• the composition comprises a benzodiazepine drug in a form including benzodiazepine microparticles and/or nanoparticles suspended in a carrier system comprising a synthetic tocopherol, one or more parabens, one or more alcohols or glycols, an alkyglycoside and water.
• the composition comprises a benzodiazepine drug in a form including benzodiazepine microparticles or nanoparticles suspended in a carrier system comprising Vitamin E TPGS, one or both of methylparaben and propylparaben, at least one glycol, an alkyl glycoside and water.
• the composition comprises a benzodiazepine drug in a form including benzodiazepine microparticles and/or nanoparticles suspended in a carrier system comprising Vitamin E TPGS, methylparaben, propylparaben, propylene glycol, an alkyl glycoside and water.
• the composition consists essentially of a benzodiazepine drug in a form including benzodiazepine microparticles and/or nanoparticles suspended in a carrier system consisting essentially of a synthetic tocopherol, one or more parabens, one or more alcohols or glycols, an alkyl glycoside, optionally a surfactant, and water.
• the composition consists essentially of a benzodiazepine drug in a form including benzodiazepine microparticles or nanoparticles suspended in a carrier system consisting essentially of Vitamin E TPGS, one or both of methylparaben and propylparaben, at least one glycol, an alkyl glycoside, optionally a povidone and water.
• the composition consists essentially of a benzodiazepine drug in a form including benzodiazepine microparticles and/or nanoparticles suspended in a carrier system consisting essentially of Vitamin E TPGS, methylparaben, propylparaben, propylene glycol, an alkyl glycoside, optionally a povidone, and water.
• the composition consists of a benzodiazepine drug in a form including benzodiazepine microparticles and/or nanoparticles suspended in a carrier system consisting of a synthetic tocopherol, one or more parabens, one or more alcohols or glycols, an alkyl glycoside, optionally one or more surfactants, and water.
• the composition consists of a benzodiazepine drug in a form including benzodiazepine microparticles or nanoparticles suspended in a carrier system consisting of Vitamin E TPGS, one or both of methylparaben and propylparaben, at least one glycol, an alkyl glycoside, optionally a povidone and water.
• the composition consists of a benzodiazepine drug in a form including benzodiazepine microparticles and/or nanoparticles suspended in a carrier system consisting of Vitamin E TPGS, methylparaben, propylparaben, propylene glycol, an alkyl glycoside, optionally a povidone and water.
• the invention also discloses a method of treating a patient with a disorder that may be treatable with a benzodiazepine drug.
• the patient is a human.
• the method comprises: administering to one or more nasal mucosal membranes of a patient a pharmaceutical composition for nasal administration comprising a benzodiazepine drug; one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 30% to about 95% (w/w); and one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 5% to about 70% (w/w), preferably about 10% to about 70% (w/w).
• the benzodiazepine is dissolved in the one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 30% to about 95% (w/w); and the one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 5% to about 70% (w/w), preferably about 10% to about 70% (w/w).
• the benzodiazepine drug is dissolved in a carrier system.
• at least part of the benzodiazepine drug is in a form including microparticles, nanoparticles, or combinations thereof.
• the composition is substantially free of benzodiazepine microparticles, nanoparticles or combinations thereof.
• the benzodiazepine drug is selected from the group consisting of: alprazolam, brotizolam, chlordiazepoxide, clobazam, clonazepam, clorazepam, demoxazepam, diazepam, flumazenil, flurazepam, halazepam, midazolam, nordazepam, medazepam, nitrazepam, oxazepam, medazepam, lorazepam, prazepam, quazepam, triazolam, temazepam, loprazolam, or any pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, and any combinations thereof.
• the benzodiazepine drug is diazepam, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof. In some embodiments, the benzodiazepine drug comprises benzodiazepine microparticles, nanoparticles, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the benzodiazepine nanoparticles have an effective average particle size of less than about 5000 nm.
• the one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols are selected from the group consisting of: ⁇ -tocopherol, ⁇ -tocopherol, ⁇ -tocopherol, ⁇ -tocopherol, ⁇ -tocotrienol, ⁇ -tocotrienol, ⁇ -tocotrienol, tocophersolan, any isomers thereof, any esters thereof, any analogs or derivatives thereof, and any combinations thereof.
• a synthetic tocopherol may include a tocopherol that has been modified to include a hydrophilic group, such as a polyethylene glycol group, which may be directly covalently bonded to the tocopherol or may be linked to the tocopherol through a covalent linking group, such as a diacid.
• a hydrophilic group such as a polyethylene glycol group
• An exemplary synthetic tocopherol of this type is Vitamin E Polyethylene Glycol Succinate (Vitamin E TPGS), although the person skilled in the art will be able to envision other synthetic tocopherols that have similar diacid and/or hydrophilic groups.
• the one or more alcohols are selected from the group consisting of: ethanol, propyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, pentanol, benzyl alcohol, any isomers thereof, and any combinations thereof.
• the one or more glycols are selected from the group consisting of: ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, any isomers thereof, and any combinations thereof.
• one or more glycols specifically excludes polymeric glycols, such as polyethylene glycol.
• one or more glycols specifically excludes a polymeric glycol having a molecular weight of greater than about 200 g/mol.
• the benzodiazepine drug is present in the carrier system in a concentration from about 1 mg/mL to about 600 mg/mL. In some embodiments, the benzodiazepine drug is present in the carrier system in a concentration of from about 10 mg/mL to about 250 mg/mL. In some embodiments, the benzodiazepine drug is present in the carrier system in a concentration of from about 20 mg/mL to about 50 mg/mL.
• the carrier system comprises one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 45% to about 85% (w/w). In some embodiments, the carrier system comprises one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 60% to about 75% (w/w). In some embodiments, the carrier system comprises one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount of about 70% (w/w).
• the compositions may include a tocopherol, especially a synthetic tocopherol having a hydrophilic group covalently linked to a tocopherol.
• the tocopherol is substantially or completely free of Vitamin E TPGS.
• the carrier system comprises one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 10% to about 55% (w/w). In some embodiments, the carrier system comprises one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 25% to about 40% (w/w). In some embodiments, the carrier system comprises one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 30% (w/w).
• the amount of one or more alcohols or glycols in the carrier system is about 10% to about 55%, about 10% to about 40%, about 10% to about 35%, about 12% to about 55%, about 12% to about 40%, about 12% to about 35%, about 15% to about 55%, about 15% to about 40%, about 15% to about 35%, about 10%, about 12.5%, about 15%, about 17.5%, about 20%, about 22.5%, about 25%, about 27.5%, about 30%, about 32.5%, about 35%, about 37.5%, about 40%, about 42.5%, about 45%, about 47.5%, about 50%, about 52.5% or about 55% (w/w).
• the composition comprises at least one additional ingredient selected from the group consisting of: active pharmaceutical ingredients; enhancers; excipients; and agents used to adjust the pH, buffer the composition, prevent degradation, and improve appearance, odor, or taste.
• a composition comprises at least one penetration enhancer in addition to a benzodiazepine drug, a natural or synthetic tocopherol or tocotrienol, and an alcohol or glycol.
• the penetration enhancer is an alkyl glycoside.
• the alkyl glycoside refers to any sugar joined to any hydrophobic alkyl, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,130, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• the hydrophobic alkyl can be any suitable length, for example about 9 to about 24 carbons in length, especially about 10 to about 14 carbons in length.
• the hydrophobic alkyl can be branched and/or partially or wholly unsaturated.
• the alkyl may be joined to the saccharide core for example through a carbonyl group, whereby an ester group may be formed.
• a suitable alkyl glycoside will have the characteristics of being nontoxic, nonionic, and capable of increasing the absorption of a benzodiazepine drug when it is administered intranasally as described herein.
• Exemplary saccharides that may be covalently joined to an alkyl according to the present invention include glucose, maltose, maltotriose, maltotetrose, sucrose and trehalose.
• alkyl glycosides that may be employed include octyl-, nonyl-, decyl-, undecyl-, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, octadecyl ⁇ - or ⁇ -D-maltoside, -glucoside or sucroside.
• the preferred glycosides include maltose, sucrose or glucose linked by glycosidic linkage to an alkyl chain of 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 carbon atoms. Where present, the amount of alkyl glycoside in the composition is sufficient to enhance the absorption of a benzodiazepine drug administered by the intranasal route.
• the amount of alkyl glycoside in the composition is selected so as to enhance absorption of the benzodiazepine drug, while at the same time not significantly irritating the nasal mucosa. In some embodiments, the amount of alkyl glycoside in the composition is in a range of about 0.01% (w/v) to about 1% (w/v). In some embodiments, the amount of alkyl glycoside in the composition is in a range of about 0.05% (w/v) to about 0.5% (w/v), or about 0.125% (w/v) to about 0.5% (w/v).
• the composition is in a pharmaceutically-acceptable spray formulation, and further comprising administering the composition to one or more nasal mucosal membranes of the patient.
• the therapeutically effective amount is from about 1 mg to about 20 mg of the benzodiazepine.
• the pharmaceutical composition is in a pharmaceutically-acceptable spray formulation having volume from about 10 ⁇ L to 200 ⁇ L.
• the administration of the composition comprises spraying at least a portion of the therapeutically effective amount of the composition into at least one nostril. In some embodiments, the administration of the composition comprises spraying at least a portion of the therapeutically effective amount of the composition into each nostril. In some embodiments, the administration of the composition comprises spraying a first quantity of the composition into the first nostril, spraying a second quantity of the composition into a second nostril, and optionally after a pre-selected time delay, spraying a third quantity of the composition into the first nostril. Some embodiments further comprise, optionally after a pre-selected time delay, administering at least a fourth quantity of the composition to the second nostril.
• the administration of the composition begins at any time before or after onset of symptoms of a disorder which may be treatable with the composition.
• therapeutically effective amount includes an amount sufficient to provide a specific therapeutic response for which the drug is administered to a patient in need of particular treatment.
• therapeutically effective amount of drug will depend upon the patient, the indication and the particular drug administered.
• the modifier “about” is intended to have its regularly recognized meaning of approximately. In some embodiments, the term may be more precisely interpreted as meaning within a particular percentage of the modified value, e.g. “about” may in some embodiments mean ⁇ 20%, ⁇ 10%, ⁇ 5%, ⁇ 2%, or ⁇ 1% or less.
• analogs or derivatives includes molecules that differ from one another molecule due to one or more atoms or functional groups having been replaced with a different atom or functional group. This may result in molecules with similar chemical formulas but different chemical and/or biological properties.
• propanol has the chemical formula C 3 H 7 OH. It may be found as propan-1-ol, wherein the —OH is found attached to an end carbon. Alternatively, it may be found as propan-2-ol, wherein the —OH is found attached to the second carbon.
• seizure includes commonly recognized types of seizures, including absence seizures, myoclonic seizures, clonic seizures, tonic seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, and atonic seizures. Often seizures, particularly severe tonic or tonic-clonic seizures, will be presaged by one or more aura that will be familiar to the patient or those familiar with the patient. Each patient will generally experience a different type of aura, which is unique to the patient; however auras may be classified as audible, visual, olfactory or tactile sensations that usually, or at least often, precedes a patient's experiencing a seizure. (Not all patients who suffer seizures experience aura; however aura are not uncommon amongst those who suffer the worst type of seizures, especially tonic-clonic seizures.)
• prevention refers to a forestalling, including temporary forestalling, of the onset of a disorder. In the case of seizures, this can occur either with or without the benefit of a warning aura.
• treatment refers to a reduction in the intensity and/or duration of a disorder, or similar effects. The term also encompasses the side-effects of such a “treatment.”
• the phrase “consisting essentially of” is a transitional phrase used in a claim to indicate that the a following list of ingredients, parts or process steps must be present in the claimed composition, machine or process, but that the claim is open to unlisted ingredients, parts or process steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel properties of the invention.
• benzodiazepine drug includes any therapeutically effective benzodiazepine compound, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or combinations thereof.
• benzodiazepine comprises a member of the group consisting of alprazolam, diazepam, flurazepam, lorazepam, medazepam, mexazolam, midazolam, temazepam and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and combinations thereof.
• benzodiazepine compounds that have heretofore been considered to have marginal or little therapeutic benefit, either because of low bioavailability, poor pharmacokinetic properties or poor pharmacodynamic properties, may find use through the present invention, which can provide for improved bioavailability of benzodiazepine drugs, delivery of higher concentrations of benzodiazepine drugs via the nasal route, faster attainment of therapeutic levels of benzodiazepine in the blood plasma, avoidance of the liver portal vein and concomitant avoidance of first pass effects and/or faster presentation of benzodiazepine drug to the brain.
• the present invention allows benzodiazepine drugs to be administered to one or more mucosal membranes, including to nasal mucosal membranes. This can allow one to administer the drug without hospitalization or unnecessary discomfort. Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, such as nasal administration, the digestive system largely may be bypassed. This latter improvement can yield improved bioavailability, faster attainment of therapeutic levels of benzodiazepine in the blood plasma, avoidance of the liver portal vein, and/or concomitant avoidance of first pass effects.
• Nasal administration of the composition can result in faster presentation of the one or more benzodiazepine drugs to the brain due to the close proximity of the membranes and the brain.
• a seizing patient for example, suffers from rigid muscles and uncontrollable movement. This can make oral and/or intravenous administration difficult or inconvenient.
• the nasal passageways remain open and easily accessible, and therefore is a useful route of administration for of the present invention.
• the pharmaceutical composition is used to treat a patient suffering from a disorder that is amenable to treatment or prevention with an effective amount of the one or more benzodiazepine drugs.
• disorders can include: insomnia, anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms and rigidity, and the symptoms of drug withdrawal.
• the one or more benzodiazepine drugs are used alone or in combination with another anticonvulsant drug to treat seizure, protect against seizure, reduce or ameliorate the intensity of seizure, reduce or ameliorate the frequency of seizure, and/or prevent occurrence or re-occurrence of seizure.
• Alprazolam (8-chloro-6-phenyl-1-methyl-4H-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]benzodiazepine).
• Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine drug having sedative, tranquilizing and muscle relaxing properties. It is classified as an anxiolytic. Alprazolam has also been shown to be useful in the treatment of panic disorder. The dosage of alprazolam varies by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 0.5 to about 4, preferably about 1 to about 2 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day. Alprazolam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,987,052, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• alprazolam is used alone or in combination with other drugs to provide an anxiolytic effect, an anticonvulsant effect, a sedative effect, a skeletal muscle relaxant effect, an amnesic effect or combinations of the foregoing effects.
• alprazolam is used alone or in combination with another anticonvulsant drug to treat seizure, protect against seizure, reduce or ameliorate the intensity of seizure, reduce or ameliorate the frequency of seizure, and/or prevent occurrence or re-occurrence of seizure.
• Alprazolam may be administered by the patient or other person (such as a healthcare professional) while the patient is in a non-seizing state to protect against seizure. Even where protection against seizure is not absolute, administration of alprazolam may reduce or ameliorate the intensity of seizure and/or reduce or ameliorate the frequency of seizure. In some embodiments, administration of alprazolam may prevent occurrence of seizure.
• alprazolam may aid in interrupting the seizure cycle and may thus prevent the re-occurrence of seizure.
• other anti-convulsant drugs may be combined with alprazolam to provide an anticonvulsant or synergistic anticonvulsant effect.
• Alprazolam may also be administered by another person (e.g. an acquaintance or associate, a family member or a health care professional) to the patient while the patient is in a state of seizure.
• another person e.g. an acquaintance or associate, a family member or a health care professional
• one of the advantages of the formulations according to the present invention is the ability to administer them in an acute therapeutic environment to treat the seizure victim, for example, nasally.
• beneficial therapeutic effects that may be imparted by acute dosing of benzodiazepine anticonvulsants, such as nasal dosing are: reduction in the severity of the seizure (e.g.
• the alprazolam formulations of the invention, and in particular nasal formulations provide fast onset of therapeutic benefit—in some instances less than about 30 minutes, less than about 15 minutes, less than about 10 minutes, and in some cases less than about 5 minutes.
• the alprazolam formulations of the invention, and in particular nasal formulations also provide convenient administration of a therapeutically beneficial drug to a patient that does not require intravenous drug administration or rectal drug administration.
• the method includes prompt administration of a preparation of a benzodiazepine drug according to the invention during the aura.
• such intra-aural administration of benzodiazepine drug for example by nasal administration, will prevent or at least ameliorate the effects (intensity, duration or both) of the impending seizure.
• prevention of seizure refers to a temporary forestalling of the onset of seizure, either with or without the benefit of a warning aura.
• Diazepam (7-chloro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one)
• Diazepam is a benzodiazepine drug having sedative, tranquilizing and muscle relaxing properties. It is classified as an anxiolytic and skeletal muscle relaxant. It possesses anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, sedative, skeletal muscle relaxant and amnesic properties.
• the dosage of diazepam may vary by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 1 to about 20, preferably about 2 to about 10 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day. Diazepam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in one of U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,371,085; 3,109,843; 3,136,815 or 3,102,116, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• diazepam is used alone or in combination with other drugs to provide an anxiolytic effect, an anticonvulsant effect, a sedative effect, a skeletal muscle relaxant effect, an amnesic effect or combinations of the foregoing effects.
• diazepam is used alone or in combination with another anticonvulsant drug to treat seizure, protect against seizure, reduce or ameliorate the intensity of seizure, reduce or ameliorate the frequency of seizure, and/or prevent occurrence or re-occurrence of seizure.
• Diazepam may be administered by the patient or other person (such as a healthcare professional) while the patient is in a non-seizing state to protect against seizure. Even where protection against seizure is not absolute, administration of diazepam may reduce or ameliorate the intensity of seizure and/or reduce or ameliorate the frequency of seizure. In some embodiments, administration of diazepam may prevent occurrence of seizure.
• diazepam may aid in interrupting the seizure cycle and may thus prevent the re-occurrence of seizure.
• other anti-convulsant drugs may be combined with diazepam to provide a synergistic anticonvulsant effect.
• Diazepam may also be administered by another person (e.g. an acquaintance or associate, a family member or a health care professional) to the patient while the patient is in a state of seizure.
• another person e.g. an acquaintance or associate, a family member or a health care professional
• one of the advantages of the formulations according to the present invention is the ability to administer them in an acute therapeutic environment to treat the seizure victim, for example, nasally.
• beneficial therapeutic effects that may be imparted by acute dosing of benzodiazepine anticonvulsants, such as nasal dosing are: reduction in the severity of the seizure (e.g.
• the diazepam formulations of the invention, and in particular nasal formulations provide fast onset of therapeutic benefit—in some instances less than about 30 minutes, less than about 15 minutes, less than about 10 minutes, and in some cases less than about 5 minutes.
• the diazepam formulations of the invention, and in particular nasal formulations also provide convenient administration of a therapeutically beneficial drug to a patient that does not require intravenous drug administration or rectal drug administration.
• the method includes prompt administration of a preparation of a benzodiazepine drug according to the invention during the aura.
• such intra-aural administration of benzodiazepine drug for example by nasal administration, will prevent or at least ameliorate the effects (intensity, duration or both) of the impending seizure.
• prevention of seizure refers to a temporary forestalling of the onset of seizure, either with or without the benefit of a warning aura.
• Flurazepam is a benzodiazepine drug having sedative (especially soporific and hypnotic), anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and muscle relaxing properties. It is classified as an sedative, hypnotic. Flurazepam has been shown to be useful in the treatment of insomnia.
• the dosage of flurazepam varies by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 5 to 40, preferably about 20 to about 35 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day.
• Flurazepam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,567,710 or 3,299,053, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• flurazepam is used alone or in combination with other drugs to provide an anxiolytic effect, an anticonvulsant effect, a sedative effect, a skeletal muscle relaxant effect, an amnesic effect or combinations of the foregoing effects.
• flurazepam is used alone or in combination with another anticonvulsant drug to treat seizure, protect against seizure, reduce or ameliorate the intensity of seizure, reduce or ameliorate the frequency of seizure, and/or prevent occurrence or re-occurrence of seizure.
• Flurazepam may be administered by the patient or other person (such as a healthcare professional) while the patient is in a non-seizing state to protect against seizure. Even where protection against seizure is not absolute, administration of flurazepam may reduce or ameliorate the intensity of seizure and/or reduce or ameliorate the frequency of seizure. In some embodiments, administration of flurazepam may prevent occurrence of seizure.
• flurazepam may aid in interrupting the seizure cycle and may thus prevent the re-occurrence of seizure.
• other anti-convulsant drugs may be combined with flurazepam to provide a synergistic anticonvulsant effect.
• Flurazepam may also be administered by another person (e.g. an acquaintance or associate, a family member or a health care professional) to the patient while the patient is in a state of seizure.
• another person e.g. an acquaintance or associate, a family member or a health care professional
• Flurazepam may also be administered by another person (e.g. an acquaintance or associate, a family member or a health care professional) to the patient while the patient is in a state of seizure.
• another person e.g. an acquaintance or associate, a family member or a health care professional
• one of the advantages of the formulations according to the present invention is the ability to administer them in an acute therapeutic environment to treat the seizure victim, for example, nasally.
• beneficial therapeutic effects that may be imparted by acute dosing of benzodiazepine anticonvulsants, such as nasal dosing are: reduction in the severity of the seizure (e.g.
• the flurazepam formulations of the invention, and in particular nasal formulations provide fast onset of therapeutic benefit—in some instances less than about 30 minutes, less than about 15 minutes, less than about 10 minutes, and in some cases less than about 5 minutes.
• the flurazepam formulations of the invention, and in particular nasal formulations also provide convenient administration of a therapeutically beneficial drug to a patient that does not require intravenous drug administration or rectal drug administration.
• the method includes prompt administration of a preparation of a benzodiazepine drug according to the invention during the aura.
• such intra-aural administration of benzodiazepine drug for example by nasal administration, will prevent or at least ameliorate the effects (intensity, duration or both) of the impending seizure.
• prevention of seizure refers to a temporary forestalling of the onset of seizure, either with or without the benefit of a warning aura.
• Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine drug having sedative, tranquilizing, anticonvulsant, amnesic and muscle relaxing properties. It is classified as an anxiolytic. Lorazepam has also been shown to be useful in the treatment of nausea. The dosage of lorazepam varies by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 0.1 to about 10, preferably about 0.2 to about 1 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day. Lorazepam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,296,249, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• lorazepam is used alone or in combination with other drugs to provide an anxiolytic effect, an anticonvulsant effect, a sedative effect, a skeletal muscle relaxant effect, an amnesic effect or combinations of the foregoing effects.
• lorazepam is used alone or in combination with another anticonvulsant drug to treat seizure, protect against seizure, reduce or ameliorate the intensity of seizure, reduce or ameliorate the frequency of seizure, and/or prevent occurrence or re-occurrence of seizure.
• Lorazepam may be administered by the patient or other person (such as a healthcare professional) while the patient is in a non-seizing state to protect against seizure. Even where protection against seizure is not absolute, administration of lorazepam may reduce or ameliorate the intensity of seizure and/or reduce or ameliorate the frequency of seizure. In some embodiments, administration of lorazepam may prevent occurrence of seizure.
• lorazepam may aid in interrupting the seizure cycle and may thus prevent the re-occurrence of seizure.
• other anti-convulsant drugs may be combined with lorazepam to provide a synergistic anticonvulsant effect.
• Lorazepam may also be administered by another person (e.g. an acquaintance or associate, a family member or a health care professional) to the patient while the patient is in a state of seizure.
• another person e.g. an acquaintance or associate, a family member or a health care professional
• the advantages of the formulations according to the present invention is the ability to administer them in an acute therapeutic environment to treat the seizure victim, for example, nasally.
• beneficial therapeutic effects that may be imparted by acute dosing of benzodiazepine anticonvulsants, such as nasal dosing are: reduction in the severity of the seizure (e.g.
• the lorazepam formulations of the invention, and in particular nasal formulations provide fast onset of therapeutic benefit—in some instances less than about 30 minutes, less than about 15 minutes, less than about 10 minutes, and in some cases less than about 5 minutes.
• the lorazepam formulations of the invention, and in particular nasal formulations also provide convenient administration of a therapeutically beneficial drug to a patient that does not require intravenous drug administration or rectal drug administration.
• the method includes prompt administration of a preparation of a benzodiazepine drug according to the invention during the aura.
• such intra-aural administration of benzodiazepine drug for example by nasal administration, will prevent or at least ameliorate the effects (intensity, duration or both) of the impending seizure.
• prevention of seizure refers to a temporary forestalling of the onset of seizure, either with or without the benefit of a warning aura.
• Medazepam is a benzodiazepine drug having sedative, tranquilizing, anticonvulsant, amnesic and muscle relaxing properties. It is classified as an anxiolytic. Medazepam has also been shown to be useful in the treatment of nausea. The dosage of medazepam varies by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 0.1 to about 10, preferably about 0.2 to about 1 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day. Medazepam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,243,427, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• medazepam is used alone or in combination with other drugs to provide an anxiolytic effect, an anticonvulsant effect, a sedative effect, a skeletal muscle relaxant effect, an amnesic effect or combinations of the foregoing effects.
• medazepam is used alone or in combination with another anticonvulsant drug to treat seizure, protect against seizure, reduce or ameliorate the intensity of seizure, reduce or ameliorate the frequency of seizure, and/or prevent occurrence or re-occurrence of seizure.
• Medazepam may be administered by the patient or other person (such as a healthcare professional) while the patient is in a non-seizing state to protect against seizure. Even where protection against seizure is not absolute, administration of medazepam may reduce or ameliorate the intensity of seizure and/or reduce or ameliorate the frequency of seizure. In some embodiments, administration of medazepam may prevent occurrence of seizure.
• medazepam may aid in interrupting the seizure cycle and may thus prevent the re-occurrence of seizure.
• other anti-convulsant drugs may be combined with medazepam to provide a synergistic anticonvulsant effect.
• Medazepam may also be administered by another person (e.g. an acquaintance or associate, a family member or a health care professional) to the patient while the patient is in a state of seizure.
• another person e.g. an acquaintance or associate, a family member or a health care professional
• one of the advantages of the formulations according to the present invention is the ability to administer them in an acute therapeutic environment to treat the seizure victim, for example, nasally.
• beneficial therapeutic effects that may be imparted by acute dosing of benzodiazepine anticonvulsants, such as nasal dosing are: reduction in the severity of the seizure (e.g.
• the medazepam formulations of the invention, and in particular nasal formulations provide fast onset of therapeutic benefit—in some instances less than about 30 minutes, less than about 15 minutes, less than about 10 minutes, and in some cases less than about 5 minutes.
• the medazepam formulations of the invention, and in particular nasal formulations also provide convenient administration of a therapeutically beneficial drug to a patient that does not require intravenous drug administration or rectal drug administration.
• the method includes prompt administration of a preparation of a benzodiazepine drug according to the invention during the aura.
• such intra-aural administration of benzodiazepine drug for example by nasal administration, will prevent or at least ameliorate the effects (intensity, duration or both) of the impending seizure.
• prevention of seizure refers to a temporary forestalling of the onset of seizure, either with or without the benefit of a warning aura.
• Mexazolam is a benzodiazepine drug having sedative, tranquilizing, anticonvulsant, amnesic and muscle relaxing properties. It is classified as an anxiolytic. Mexazolam has also been shown to be useful in the treatment of nausea. The dosage of mexazolam varies by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 0.1 to about 10, preferably about 0.2 to about 1 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day. Mexazolam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,722,371, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• mexazolam is used alone or in combination with other drugs to provide an anxiolytic effect, an anticonvulsant effect, a sedative effect, a skeletal muscle relaxant effect, an amnesic effect or combinations of the foregoing effects.
• mexazolam is used alone or in combination with another anticonvulsant drug to treat seizure, protect against seizure, reduce or ameliorate the intensity of seizure, reduce or ameliorate the frequency of seizure, and/or prevent occurrence or re-occurrence of seizure.
• Mexazolam may be administered by the patient or other person (such as a healthcare professional) while the patient is in a non-seizing state to protect against seizure. Even where protection against seizure is not absolute, administration of mexazolam may reduce or ameliorate the intensity of seizure and/or reduce or ameliorate the frequency of seizure. In some embodiments, administration of mexazolam may prevent occurrence of seizure.
• mexazolam may aid in interrupting the seizure cycle and may thus prevent the re-occurrence of seizure.
• other anti-convulsant drugs may be combined with mexazolam to provide a synergistic anticonvulsant effect.
• Mexazolam may also be administered by another person (e.g. an acquaintance or associate, a family member or a health care professional) to the patient while the patient is in a state of seizure.
• another person e.g. an acquaintance or associate, a family member or a health care professional
• Mexazolam may also be administered by another person (e.g. an acquaintance or associate, a family member or a health care professional) to the patient while the patient is in a state of seizure.
• another person e.g. an acquaintance or associate, a family member or a health care professional
• the mexazolam formulations of the invention, and in particular nasal formulations provide fast onset of therapeutic benefit—in some instances less than about 30 minutes, less than about 15 minutes, less than about 10 minutes, and in some cases less than about 5 minutes.
• the mexazolam formulations of the invention, and in particular nasal formulations also provide convenient administration of a therapeutically beneficial drug to a patient that does not require intravenous drug administration or rectal drug administration.
• the method includes prompt administration of a preparation of a benzodiazepine drug according to the invention during the aura.
• such intra-aural administration of benzodiazepine drug for example by nasal administration, will prevent or at least ameliorate the effects (intensity, duration or both) of the impending seizure.
• prevention of seizure refers to a temporary forestalling of the onset of seizure, either with or without the benefit of a warning aura.
• Midazolam is a tricyclic benzodiazepine having anxiolytic, amnesic, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, skeletal muscle relaxant and sedative properties.
• Midazolam is considered soluble in water at a pH lower than about 4, but is relatively insoluble in most aqueous solutions at neutral pH (e.g. about 6 to 8).
• neutral pH e.g. about 6 to 8.
• aqueous nasal preparations of midazolam to have a pH above about 5.5, preferably above about 6.0, or above about 6.5.
• the pH is between about 6 and 9, between about 6 and 8.
• midazolam preparations of midazolam are particularly suitable for nasal administration as the lipid-soluble (at approximately neutral pH) midazolam is rapidly absorbed across nasal mucosa, leading to efficient uptake of midazolam. It is further considered that midazolam may be formulated in a non-aqueous delivery vehicle, such as is known in the aerosol administration art, such as hydrofluorocarbon propellants, hydrocarbon propellants, etc.
• midazolam varies by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 0.1 to about 20, preferably about 0.2 to about 10 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day.
• Midazolam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in one of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,280,957 or 5,831,089, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• midazolam is used alone or in combination with other drugs to provide an anxiolytic effect, an anticonvulsant effect, a sedative effect, a skeletal muscle relaxant effect, an amnesic effect or combinations of the foregoing effects.
• midazolam is used alone or in combination with another anticonvulsant drug to treat seizure, protect against seizure, reduce or ameliorate the intensity of seizure, reduce or ameliorate the frequency of seizure, and/or prevent occurrence or re-occurrence of seizure.
• Midazolam may be administered by the patient or other person (such as a healthcare professional) while the patient is in a non-seizing state to protect against seizure. Even where protection against seizure is not absolute, administration of midazolam may reduce or ameliorate the intensity of seizure and/or reduce or ameliorate the frequency of seizure. In some embodiments, administration of midazolam may prevent occurrence of seizure.
• midazolam may aid in interrupting the seizure cycle and may thus prevent the re-occurrence of seizure.
• benzodiazepines such as diazepam
• other anti-convulsant drugs may be combined with midazolam to provide a synergistic anticonvulsant effect.
• Midazolam may also be administered by another person (e.g. an acquaintance or associate, a family member or a health care professional) to the patient while the patient is in a state of seizure.
• another person e.g. an acquaintance or associate, a family member or a health care professional
• one of the advantages of the formulations according to the present invention is the ability to administer them in an acute therapeutic environment to treat the seizure victim, for example, nasally.
• beneficial therapeutic effects that may be imparted by acute dosing of benzodiazepine anticonvulsants, such as nasal dosing are: reduction in the severity of the seizure (e.g.
• the midazolam formulations of the invention, and in particular nasal formulations provide fast onset of therapeutic benefit—in some instances less than about 30 minutes, less than about 15 minutes, less than about 10 minutes, and in some cases less than about 5 minutes.
• the midazolam formulations of the invention, and in particular nasal formulations also provide convenient administration of a therapeutically beneficial drug to a patient that does not require intravenous drug administration or rectal drug administration.
• the method includes prompt administration of a preparation of a benzodiazepine drug according to the invention during the aura.
• such intra-aural administration of benzodiazepine drug for example by nasal administration, will prevent or at least ameliorate the effects (intensity, duration or both) of the impending seizure.
• prevention of seizure refers to a temporary forestalling of the onset of seizure, either with or without the benefit of a warning aura.
• Temazepam is a benzodiazepine drug having sedative, tranquilizing, anticonvulsant, amnesic and muscle relaxing properties. It is classified as an anxiolytic. Temazepam has also been shown to be useful in the treatment of nausea. The dosage of temazepam varies by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 1 to about 50, preferably about 5 to about 30 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day. Temazepam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,340,253 or 3,374,225, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• temazepam is used alone or in combination with other drugs to provide an anxiolytic effect, an anticonvulsant effect, a sedative effect, a skeletal muscle relaxant effect, an amnesic effect or combinations of the foregoing effects.
• temazepam is used alone or in combination with another anticonvulsant drug to treat seizure, protect against seizure, reduce or ameliorate the intensity of seizure, reduce or ameliorate the frequency of seizure, and/or prevent occurrence or re-occurrence of seizure.
• Temazepam may be administered by the patient or other person (such as a healthcare professional) while the patient is in a non-seizing state to protect against seizure. Even where protection against seizure is not absolute, administration of temazepam may reduce or ameliorate the intensity of seizure and/or reduce or ameliorate the frequency of seizure. In some embodiments, administration of temazepam may prevent occurrence of seizure.
• zazepam may aid in interrupting the seizure cycle and may thus prevent the re-occurrence of seizure.
• other anti-convulsant drugs may be combined with temazepam to provide a synergistic anticonvulsant effect.
• Temazepam may also be administered by another person (e.g. an acquaintance or associate, a family member or a health care professional) to the patient while the patient is in a state of seizure.
• another person e.g. an acquaintance or associate, a family member or a health care professional
• Temazepam may also be administered by another person (e.g. an acquaintance or associate, a family member or a health care professional) to the patient while the patient is in a state of seizure.
• another person e.g. an acquaintance or associate, a family member or a health care professional
• one of the advantages of the formulations according to the present invention is the ability to administer them in an acute therapeutic environment to treat the seizure victim, for example, nasally.
• beneficial therapeutic effects that may be imparted by acute dosing of benzodiazepine anticonvulsants, such as nasal dosing are: reduction in the severity of the seizure (e.g.
• the temazepam formulations of the invention provide fast onset of therapeutic benefit—in some instances less than about 30 minutes, less than about 15 minutes, less than about 10 minutes, and in some cases less than about 5 minutes.
• the temazepam formulations of the invention, and in particular nasal formulations also provide convenient administration of a therapeutically beneficial drug to a patient that does not require intravenous drug administration or rectal drug administration.
• the method includes prompt administration of a preparation of a benzodiazepine drug according to the invention during the aura.
• such intra-aural administration of benzodiazepine drug for example by nasal administration, will prevent or at least ameliorate the effects (intensity, duration or both) of the impending seizure.
• prevention of seizure refers to a temporary forestalling of the onset of seizure, either with or without the benefit of a warning aura.
• Benzodiazepines have the generally basic structure of formula I:
• R 1 -R 5 are substituents.
• R 1 is an optionally substituted alkyl or forms a ring with R 4
• R 2 is a halogen (e.g. Cl, Br)
• R 3 is optionally substituted aryl (e.g.
• R 5 is H or OH
• R 4 and R 4 ′ together form a carbonyl (C ⁇ O) with the carbon to which they are attached or R 4 and R 1 form an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring with the diazepam ring atoms to which they are respectively attached;
• R 3 ′ and R 6 together form a double bond or may be combined to form an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring along with the diazepam ring atoms to which they are respectively attached.
• Such basic compounds may form acid addition salts with pharmaceutically acceptable acids, such as pharmaceutically acceptable mineral acids and pharmaceutically acceptable organic acids.
• Pharmaceutically acceptable mineral acids include HCl, H 2 SO 4 , H 2 SO 3 , H 3 PO 4 , H 3 PO 3 , and others that will be recognized by those of skill in the art.
• Pharmaceutically acceptable organic acids include acetic acid, benzoic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid, malonic acid, etc.
• the pharmaceutically acceptable acid may be selected from the group consisting of: 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, 2,2-dichloroacetic acid, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, 2-oxoglutaric acid, 4-acetamidobenzoic acid, 4-aminosalicylic acid, acetic acid, adipic acidascorbic acid (L), aspartic acid (L), benzenesulfonic acid, benzoic acid, camphoric acid (+), camphor-10-sulfonic acid (+), capric acid (decanoic acid), caproic acid (hexanoic acid), caprylic acid (octanoic acid), carbonic acid, cinnamic acid, citric acid, cyclamic acid, dodecylsulfuric acid, ethane-1,2-disulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, formic acidfumaric acid, galactaric acid, gentisic acid,
• compositions may be pharmaceutically acceptable acidic (anionic) polymers or pharmaceutically acceptable amphoteric polymers.
• anionic acidic
• amphoteric polymers pharmaceutically acceptable amphoteric polymers.
• other basic active pharmaceutical ingredients may be combined with the foregoing acids to produce acid addition salts.
• the person skilled in the art will recognize that in some embodiments it may be advantageous that some or all of the added acid be an active pharmaceutical ingredient in its own right.
• the invention provides nasal compositions comprising one or more acidic pharmaceutically active ingredients. It is considered well within the ordinary skill in the art to determine which of the compounds set for the above are acidic. Such compounds may be prepared as base addition salts, e.g. by the addition of one or more mineral bases (e.g. NaOH, KOH, NaHCO 3 , Na 2 CO 3 , NH 3 ) or organic bases. It is considered within the skill in the art to choose a pharmaceutically acceptable base.
• mineral bases e.g. NaOH, KOH, NaHCO 3 , Na 2 CO 3 , NH 3
• Known benzodiazepine compounds have anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, sedative and/or skeletal muscle relaxant effect.
• anticonvulsant includes treatment of seizures, protection against seizure, reduction or amelioration of the intensity of seizure, reduction or amelioration of the frequency of seizure, and/or prevention of the occurrence or re-occurrence of seizure.
• treatment of seizure includes cessation of an ongoing seizure, reduction in the severity of an ongoing seizure, reduction in the duration of an ongoing seizure.
• Protection against seizure includes forestalling an oncoming seizure.
• Vitamin E is a class of fat soluble methylated phenols. There are at least eight naturally-occurring compounds that comprise this class: ⁇ -tocopherol, ⁇ -tocopherol, ⁇ -tocopherol, ⁇ -tocopherol, ⁇ -tocotrienol, ⁇ -tocotrienol, ⁇ -tocotrienol, and ⁇ -tocotrienol, all of which may be used in the compositions and methods of the present invention. There are multiple isomers of each of these compounds, all of which may be used in the compositions and methods of the present invention. There are also multiple esters of each of these compounds, including tocophersolan, all of which may be used in the compositions and methods of the present invention. As used herein, Vitamin E refers to any of the natural or synthetic tocopherols, tocotrienols, any isomers thereof, any esters thereof, any analogs or derivatives thereof, or any combinations thereof.
• Vitamin E are antioxidants. There is also evidence that they can prevent, delay the onset of, or ameliorate the symptoms of heart disease, cancer, cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease.
• Vitamin E can provide an effective carrier for benzodiazepine drugs.
• benzodiazepines are soluble, or partially soluble, in Vitamin E.
• Vitamin E may be present as microparticles, nanoparticles, or any combination thereof.
• use of Vitamin E can have the added benefit of either avoiding irritation of sensitive mucosal membranes and/or soothing irritated mucosal membranes.
• Vitamin E is generally classified as hydrophobic, and when used as a carrier may be limited to formulations as an emulsion.
• emulsions can have several drawbacks. For instance, they may be difficult to create and can be highly unstable. Additionally, they can leave an oily film on the surface of the skin.
• some embodiments of the present invention comprise solutions of one or more benzodiazepine drugs in Vitamin E and one or more lower alkyl alcohols or one or more lower alkyl glycols, or any combinations thereof.
• Lower alkyl alcohols are those with six or fewer carbon atoms. Thus, any of ethanol, propyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, pentanol, benzyl alcohol, any isomers thereof, or any combinations thereof can be used.
• Lower alkyl glycols are those with six or fewer carbon atoms. Thus, any of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, any isomers thereof, or any combinations thereof can be used.
• a composition comprises at least one penetration enhancer in addition to a benzodiazepine drug, a natural or synthetic tocopherol or tocotrienol, and an alcohol or glycol.
• the penetration enhancer is at least one alkyl glycoside.
• the alkyl glycoside refers to any sugar joined to any hydrophobic alkyl, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,130, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• the hydrophobic alkyl can be any suitable length, for example about 9 to about 24 carbons in length, especially about 10 to about 14 carbons in length.
• the hydrophobic alkyl can be branched and/or partially or wholly unsaturated.
• the alkyl may be joined to the saccharide core for example through a carbonyl group, whereby an ester group may be formed.
• a suitable alkyl glycoside will have the characteristics of being nontoxic, nonionic, and capable of increasing the absorption of a benzodiazepine drug when it is administered intranasally as described herein.
• Exemplary saccharides that may be covalently joined to an alkyl according to the present invention include glucose, maltose, maltotriose, maltotetrose, sucrose and trehalose.
• alkyl glycosides that may be employed include octyl-, nonyl-, decyl-, undecyl-, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, octadecyl ⁇ - or ⁇ -D-maltoside, -glucoside or sucroside.
• the preferred glycosides include maltose, sucrose or glucose linked by glycosidic linkage to an alkyl chain of 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 carbon atoms.
• alkylsaccharide is dodecyl maltoside, tetradecyl maltoside, sucrose dodecanoate, sucrose monostearate, sucrose distearate, and/or combinations of two or more thereof.
• Alkyl glycosides that are particularly considered useful in embodiments of the invention include those marketed under the name Intravail® by Aegis Therapeutics, LLC, San Diego, Calif.
• Other alkyl glycosides may be selected from those having a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) number of from about 10-20, especially about 1′-15. The HLB number may be determined as set forth in the publication US2009/0047347, published on 19 Feb.
• the amount of alkyl glycoside in the composition is sufficient to enhance the absorption of a benzodiazepine drug administered by the intranasal route.
• the amount of alkyl glycoside in the composition is selected so as to enhance absorption of the benzodiazepine drug, while at the same time not significantly irritating the nasal mucosa.
• the amount of alkyl glycoside in the composition is in a range of about 0.01% (w/v) to about 1% (w/v). In some embodiments, the amount of alkyl glycoside in the composition is in a range of about 0.05% (w/v) to about 0.5% (w/v), or about 0.125% (w/v) to about 0.5% (w/v).
• penetration enhancer means any material which acts to increase absorption across the mucosa and/or increases bioavailability.
• such materials include mucolytic agents, degradative enzyme inhibitors and compounds which increase permeability of the mucosal cell membranes.
• Whether a given compound is an “enhancer” can be determined by comparing two formulations comprising a non-associated, small polar molecule as the drug, with or without the enhancer, in an in vivo or good model test and determining whether the uptake of the drug is enhanced to a clinically significant degree.
• the enhancer should not produce any problems in terms of chronic toxicity because in vivo the enhancer should be non-irritant and/or rapidly metabolized to a normal cell constituent that does not have any significant irritant effect.
• preferred enhancing materials lysophospholipids, for example lysophosphatidylcholine obtainable from egg or soy lecithin.
• lysophosphatidylcholines that have different acyl groups as well as lyso compounds produced from phosphatidylethanolamines and phosphatidic acid which have similar membrane modifying properties may be used.
• Acyl carnitines e.g. palmitoyl-dl-camitine-chloride
• a suitable concentration is from 0.02 to 20% w/v.
• enhancing agents that are appropriate include chelating agents (EGTA, EDTA, alginates), surface active agents (especially non-ionic materials), acyl glycerols, fatty acids and salts, tyloxapol and biological detergents listed in the SIGMA Catalog, 1988, page 316-321 (which is incorporated herein by reference).
• agents that modify the membrane fluidity and permeability are appropriate such as enamines (e.g. phenylalanine enamine of ethylacetoacetate), malonates (e.g. diethyleneoxymethylene malonate), salicylates, bile salts and analogues and fusidates. Suitable concentrations are up to 20% w/v.
• the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for nasal administration comprising: a benzodiazepine drug, one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 30% to about 95% (w/w); one or more alkyl glycosides; and one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 10% to about 70% (w/w), in a pharmaceutically-acceptable formulation for administration to one or more nasal mucosal membranes of a patient.
• the alkyl glycoside is an Intravail® brand alkyl glycoside.
• the alkyl glycoside is dodecyl maltoside, tetradecyl maltoside, sucrose dodecanoate, sucrose monostearate, sucrose distearate, and/or a combination of two or more thereof.
• the alkyl glycoside is dodecyl maltoside.
• the alkyl glycoside is tetradecyl maltoside.
• the alkyl glycoside is sucrose dodecanoate.
• the alkyl glycoside is sucrose monostearate.
• the alkyl glycoside is sucrose distearate.
• the alkyl glycoside is a combination of two or more of dodecyl maltoside, tetradecyl maltoside, sucrose dodecanoate, sucrose monostearate, or sucrose distearate.
• the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for nasal administration comprising: a benzodiazepine drug, which benzodiazepine drug comprises microparticles, nanoparticles or both, one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 30% to about 95% (w/w); one or more alkyl glycosides; and one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof, in an amount from about 10% to about 70% (w/w), in a pharmaceutically-acceptable formulation for administration to one or more nasal mucosal membranes of a patient.
• the alkyl glycoside is an Intravail® brand alkyl glycoside.
• the alkyl glycoside is dodecyl maltoside, tetradecyl maltoside, sucrose dodecanoate, sucrose monostearate, sucrose distearate, and/or a combination of two or more thereof.
• the alkyl glycoside is dodecyl maltoside.
• the alkyl glycoside is tetradecyl maltoside.
• the alkyl glycoside is sucrose dodecanoate.
• the alkyl glycoside is sucrose monostearate.
• the alkyl glycoside is sucrose distearate.
• the alkyl glycoside is a combination of two or more of dodecyl maltoside, tetradecyl maltoside, sucrose dodecanoate, sucrose monostearate, or sucrose distearate.
• Mucosal membrane preparations are generally administered in metered sprays having volumes of less than 250 ⁇ L, preferably less than 150 ⁇ L, and ideally from 25 to 100 ⁇ L. Although not prohibited in this invention, administration of volumes larger than about 300 ⁇ L per dose usually exceeds the absorption capacity of the membranes. This results in a large portion of the pharmaceutically-active ingredient being lost.
• the dosage volume of preparations, in particular nasal preparations preferably ranges from 25 to 100 ⁇ L. Volumes in excess of the aforementioned ranges may bypass the sinuses and flow down the back of the throat where the excess is swallowed.
• alprazolam varies by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 0.5 to about 4, preferably about 1 to about 2 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day.
• Alprazolam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,987,052, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• alprazolam may be administered in 25 to 250 ⁇ L metered sprays. In some preferred embodiments, alprazolam is administered in 50 to 150 ⁇ L, especially about 100 ⁇ L, metered sprays
• the dosage of diazepam may vary by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 1 to about 20, preferably about 2 to about 10 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day.
• Diazepam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in one of U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,371,085, 3,109,843, 3,136,815 or 3,102,116, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• diazepam may be administered in 25 to 250 ⁇ L metered sprays. In some preferred embodiments, diazepam is administered in 50 to 150 ⁇ L, especially about 100 ⁇ L, metered sprays.
• the dosage of flurazepam varies by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 5 to 40, preferably about 20 to about 35 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day.
• Flurazepam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,567,710 or 3,299,053, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• flurazepam may be administered in 25 to 250 ⁇ L metered sprays. In some preferred embodiments, flurazepam is administered in 50 to 150 ⁇ L, especially about 100 ⁇ L, metered sprays.
• Lorazepam The dosage of Lorazepam varies by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 0.1 to about 10, preferably about 0.2 to about 1 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day. Lorazepam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,296,249, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• lorazepam may be administered in 25 to 250 ⁇ L metered sprays. In some preferred embodiments, lorazepam is administered in 50 to 150 ⁇ L, especially about 100 ⁇ L, metered sprays.
• medazepam varies by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 0.1 to about 10, preferably about 0.2 to about 1 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day.
• Medazepam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,243,427, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• medazepam may be administered in 25 to 250 ⁇ L metered sprays. In some preferred embodiments, medazepam is administered in 50 to 150 ⁇ L, especially about 100 ⁇ L, metered sprays.
• mexazolam varies by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 0.1 to about 10, preferably about 0.2 to about 1 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day.
• Mexazolam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,722,371, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• mexazolam may be administered in 25 to 250 ⁇ L metered sprays. In some preferred embodiments, mexazolam is administered in 50 to 150 ⁇ L, especially about 100 ⁇ L, metered sprays.
• midazolam varies by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 0.1 to about 20, preferably about 0.2 to about 10 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day.
• Midazolam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in one of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,280,957 or 5,831,089, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• midazolam may be administered in 25 to 250 ⁇ L metered sprays. In some preferred embodiments, midazolam is administered in 50 to 150 ⁇ L, especially about 100 ⁇ L, metered sprays.
• the dosage of temazepam varies by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 1 to about 50, preferably about 5 to about 30 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day.
• Temazepam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,340,253 or 3,374,225, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• temazepam may be administered in 25 to 250 ⁇ L metered sprays. In some preferred embodiments, temazepam is administered in 50 to 150 ⁇ L, especially about 100 ⁇ L, metered sprays.
• Some embodiments comprise administering to one or more mucosal membranes of a patient a therapeutically effective amount of one or more benzodiazepine drugs, or pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof.
• Some embodiments of the composition disclose a composition comprising one or more benzodiazepine drugs or pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof in a concentration up to about 600 mg/mL.
• Other compositions disclose a composition comprising one or more benzodiazepine drugs or pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof in a concentration of about 10 mg/mL up to about 250 mg/mL.
• some embodiments disclose a composition comprising one or more benzodiazepine drugs or pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof in a concentration of about 20 mg/mL up to about 50 mg/mL.
• Some embodiments disclose a carrier system that is about 50% to about 90% (w/w) Vitamin E and about 10% to about 50% (w/w) lower alcohol or lower alkyl glycol, or any combinations thereof. Some embodiments disclose a carrier system that is about 65% to about 75% (w/w) Vitamin E and about 25% to about 35% (w/w) lower alkyl alcohol or lower alkyl glycol, or any combinations thereof. Further, some embodiments disclose a carrier system that is about 70% (w/w) Vitamin E and about 30% (w/w) lower alkyl alcohol or lower alkyl glycol, or any combinations thereof.
• Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of administering the benzodiazepine drug composition to a patient.
• the preferred embodiment comprises use of diazepam.
• Some embodiments of the method disclose a dosage level of diazepam of about 1.0 mg to about 20.0 mg until achievement of the desired result.
• Other dosage levels disclose a dosage level of about 2.0 mg to about 15.0 mg until the desired result is achieved.
• Some embodiments disclose a dosage level of about 5.0 mg to about 10.0 mg until the desired result is achieved.
• the dosage volume ranges from about 10 ⁇ L to about 200 ⁇ L. In some embodiments, the dosage volume ranges from about 20 ⁇ L to about 180 ⁇ L. Further, some embodiments disclose a dosage volume of about 50 ⁇ L to about 140 ⁇ L.
• the composition for nasal administration is substantially free of benzodiazepine microparticles, nanoparticles or combinations thereof.
• the composition is made by slowly warming or heating the Vitamin E until it is liquefied.
• the one or more benzodiazepine drugs are added.
• the mixture is stirred and heated until the one or more benzodiazepine drugs dissolve or are substantially dissolved.
• the one or more alcohols or glycols, or any combinations thereof are added to the composition. This composition is stirred until a less viscous composition is achieved.
• the aforementioned formulations are preferably sterile with a bacteria count of 10 below the allowable level on a per mL basis. Additionally, pathogens are preferably absent.
• the benzodiazepine drug is formulated as a microparticulate and/or nanoparticulate suspension of the benzodiazepine.
• Preparation of microparticulate and nanoparticulate benzodiazepine may be accomplished by methods such as milling, etc. Such methods are known to those skilled in the art.
• the benzodiazepine drug is formulated as a solution. It is considered an aspect of the invention that employment of microparticulate and/or nanoparticulate benzodiazepine drug during the process of preparing the formulation, can improve the overall solubility of the benzodiazepine drug in the solvent system.
• compositions and methods of using the compositions comprise an additional ingredient in the composition selected from active ingredients.
• active ingredients include insulin, calcitonins (for example porcine, human, salmon, chicken, or eel) and synthetic modifications thereof, enkephalins, LHRH and analogues (Nafarelin, Buserelin, Zolidex), GHRH (growth hormone releasing hormone), nifedipin, THF (thymic humoral factor), CGRP (calcitonin gene related peptide), atrial natriuretic peptide, antibiotics, metoclopramide, ergotamine, Pizotizin, nasal vaccines (particularly HIV vaccines, measles, rhinovirus Type 13 and respiratory syncitial virus), pentamidine, CCK (Cholecystikinine), DDVAP, Interferons, growth hormone (solatotropir polypeptides or their derivatives (preferably with a molecular weight from 1000 to
• compositions and methods of using the compositions comprise an additional ingredient in the composition selected from other anticonvulsants.
• active ingredients include: paraldehyde; aromatic allylic alcohols (such as stiripentol); barbiturates (e.g.
• phenobarbitol phenobarbitol, primidone, methylphenobarbital, metharbital and barbexaclone
• bromides such as potassium bromide
• carbamates such as felbamate
• carboxamides such as carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine
• fatty acids such as valproic acid, sodium valproate, and divalproex sodium, vigabatrin, progabide, tiagabine
• fructose topiramate
• Gaba analogs e.g. gabapentin and pregabalin
• hydantoins e.g.
• oxazolidinediones such as paramethadione, trimethadione, ethadione
• propionates e.g. beclamide
• pyrimidinediones e.g. primidone
• pyrrolidines e.g. brivaracetam, levetiracetam and seletracetam
• succinimides e.g. ethosuximide, phensuximide and mesuximide
• sulfonamides e.g.
• acetazolamide, sulthiame, methazolamide and zonisamide triazines (such as lamotrigine); ureas (such as pheneturide, phenacemide); valproylamides (such as valpromide and valnoctamide); as well as other anticonvulsants or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or combinations thereof.
• compositions and methods of using the compositions comprise an additional ingredient in the composition selected from other anticonvulsants.
• active ingredients include: antibiotics and antimicrobial agents such as tetracyline hydrochloride, leucomycin, penicillin, penicillin derivatives, erythromycin, gentamicin, sulphathiazole and nitrofurazone; local anaesthetics such as benzocaine; vasoconstrictors such as phenylephrine hydrochloride, tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride, naphazoline nitrate, oxymetazoline hydrochloride and tramazoline hydrochloride; cardiotonics such as digitalis and digoxin; vasodilators such as nitroglycerine and papaverine hydrochloride; antiseptics such as chlorhexidine hydrochloride, hexylresorcinol, dequaliniumchloride and ethacridine; enzyme
• compositions and methods of using the compositions comprise an additional inactive ingredient in the composition.
• minor amounts of ingredients such as stabilizers, coloring agents, pH adjusters, buffering agents, preservatives such as agents which may prevent degradation, wetting agents, and flavoring agents may also be present.
• coloring agents include ⁇ -carotene, Red No. 2 and Blue No. 1.
• preservatives include stearic acid, ascorbyl stearate and ascorbic acid.
• corrigents include menthol and citrus perfume.
• the drug delivery system of the invention may advantageously comprise an absorption enhancer.
• such materials include mucolytic agents, degradative enzyme inhibitors and compounds which increase permeability of the mucosal cell membranes. Whether a given compound is an “enhancer” can be determined by comparing two formulations comprising a non-associated, small polar molecule as the drug, with or without the enhancer, in an in vivo or good model test and determining whether the uptake of the drug is enhanced to a clinically significant degree.
• the enhancer should not produce any problems in terms of chronic toxicity because in vivo the enhancer should be non-irritant and/or rapidly metabolized to a normal cell constituent that does not have any significant irritant effect.
• preferred enhancing materials lysophospholipids, for example lysophosphatidylcholine obtainable from egg or soy lecithin.
• lysophosphatidylcholines that have different acyl groups as well as lyso compounds produced from phosphatidylethanolamines and phosphatidic acid which have similar membrane modifying properties may be used.
• Acyl carnitines e.g. palmitoyl-dl-carnitine-chloride
• a suitable concentration is from 0.02 to 20% w/v.
• enhancing agents that are appropriate include chelating agents (EGTA, EDTA, alginates), surface active agents (especially non-ionic materials), acyl glycerols, fatty acids and salts, tyloxapol and biological detergents listed in the SIGMA Catalog, 1988, page 316-321 (which is incorporated herein by reference).
• agents that modify the membrane fluidity and permeability are appropriate such as enamines (e.g. phenylalanine enamine of ethylacetoacetate), malonates (e.g. diethyleneoxymethylene malonate), salicylates, bile salts and analogues and fusidates. Suitable concentrations are up to 20% w/v.
• the invention takes advantage of delivery of a drug incorporated into or onto a bioadhesive microsphere with an added pharmaceutical adjuvant applies to systems that contain active drug and mucolytic agent, peptidase inhibitors or non-drug polypeptide substrate singly or in combination.
• mucolytic agents are thiol-containing compounds such as N-acetylcysteine and derivatives thereof.
• Peptide inhibitors include actinonin, amastatin, bestatin, chloroacetyl-HOLeu-Ala-Gly-NH.sub.2, diprotin A and B, ebelactone A and B, E-64, leupeptin, pepstatin A, phisphoramidon, H-Thr-(tBu)-Phe-Pro-OH, aprotinin, kallikrein, chymostatin, benzamidine, chymotrypsin and trypsin. Suitable concentrations are from 0.01 to 10% w/v. The person skilled in the art will readily be able to determine whether an enhancer should be included.
• the administration of the composition comprises administering at least a portion of the therapeutically effective amount of the composition onto at least one mucosal membrane. In some embodiments, the administration of the composition comprises spraying at least a portion of the therapeutically effective amount of the composition into at least one nostril. In some embodiments, the administration of the composition comprises spraying at least a portion of the therapeutically effective amount of the composition into each nostril. In some embodiments, the administration of the composition comprises spraying a first quantity of the composition into the first nostril, spraying a second quantity of the composition into a second nostril, and optionally after a pre-selected time delay, spraying a third quantity of the composition into the first nostril. Some embodiments further comprise, optionally after a pre-selected time delay, administering at least a fourth quantity of the composition to the second nostril.
• alprazolam varies by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 0.5 to about 4, preferably about 1 to about 2 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day.
• Alprazolam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,987,052, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• alprazolam may be administered in 25 to 250 ⁇ L metered sprays. In some preferred embodiments, alprazolam is administered in 50 to 150 ⁇ L, especially about 100 ⁇ L, metered sprays. In some embodiments, a first metered spray is applied to a first nostril and if necessary a second metered spray is applied to a second nostril. In some optional embodiments, a third metered spray is applied to the first nostril. In some embodiments, a fourth metered spray is applied to the second nostril. In some embodiments, additional metered sprays are applied to alternating nostrils until the full target therapeutic dose has been administered to the patient.
• the dosage of diazepam may vary by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 1 to about 20, preferably about 2 to about 10 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day.
• Diazepam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in one of U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,371,085, 3,109,843, 3,136,815 or 3,102,116, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• diazepam may be administered in 25 to 250 ⁇ L metered sprays. In some preferred embodiments, diazepam is administered in 50 to 150 ⁇ L, especially about 100 ⁇ L, metered sprays. In some embodiments, a first metered spray is applied to a first nostril and if necessary a second metered spray is applied to a second nostril. In some optional embodiments, a third metered spray is applied to the first nostril. In some embodiments, a fourth metered spray is applied to the second nostril. In some embodiments, additional metered sprays are applied to alternating nostrils until the full target therapeutic dose has been administered to the patient.
• the dosage of flurazepam varies by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 5 to 40, preferably about 20 to about 35 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day.
• Flurazepam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,567,710 or 3,299,053, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• flurazepam may be administered in 25 to 250 ⁇ L metered sprays. In some preferred embodiments, flurazepam is administered in 50 to 150 ⁇ L, especially about 100 ⁇ L, metered sprays. In some embodiments, a first metered spray is applied to a first nostril and if necessary a second metered spray is applied to a second nostril. In some optional embodiments, a third metered spray is applied to the first nostril. In some embodiments, a fourth metered spray is applied to the second nostril. In some embodiments, additional metered sprays are applied to alternating nostrils until the full target therapeutic dose has been administered to the patient.
• Lorazepam The dosage of Lorazepam varies by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 0.1 to about 10, preferably about 0.2 to about 1 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day. Lorazepam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,296,249, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• lorazepam may be administered in 25 to 250 ⁇ L metered sprays. In some preferred embodiments, lorazepam is administered in 50 to 150 ⁇ L, especially about 100 ⁇ L, metered sprays. In some embodiments, a first metered spray is applied to a first nostril and if necessary a second metered spray is applied to a second nostril. In some optional embodiments, a third metered spray is applied to the first nostril. In some embodiments, a fourth metered spray is applied to the second nostril. In some embodiments, additional metered sprays are applied to alternating nostrils until the full target therapeutic dose has been administered to the patient.
• medazepam varies by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 0.1 to about 10, preferably about 0.2 to about 1 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day.
• Medazepam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,243,427, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• medazepam may be administered in 25 to 250 ⁇ L metered sprays. In some preferred embodiments, medazepam is administered in 50 to 150 ⁇ L, especially about 100 ⁇ L, metered sprays. In some embodiments, a first metered spray is applied to a first nostril and if necessary a second metered spray is applied to a second nostril. In some optional embodiments, a third metered spray is applied to the first nostril. In some embodiments, a fourth metered spray is applied to the second nostril. In some embodiments, additional metered sprays are applied to alternating nostrils until the full target therapeutic dose has been administered to the patient.
• mexazolam varies by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 0.1 to about 10, preferably about 0.2 to about 1 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day.
• Mexazolam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,722,371, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• mexazolam may be administered in 25 to 250 ⁇ L metered sprays. In some preferred embodiments, mexazolam is administered in 50 to 150 ⁇ L, especially about 100 ⁇ L, metered sprays. In some embodiments, a first metered spray is applied to a first nostril and if necessary a second metered spray is applied to a second nostril. In some optional embodiments, a third metered spray is applied to the first nostril. In some embodiments, a fourth metered spray is applied to the second nostril. In some embodiments, additional metered sprays are applied to alternating nostrils until the full target therapeutic dose has been administered to the patient.
• midazolam varies by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 0.1 to about 20, preferably about 0.2 to about 10 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day.
• Midazolam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in one of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,280,957 or 5,831,089, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• midazolam may be administered in 25 to 250 ⁇ L metered sprays. In some preferred embodiments, midazolam is administered in 50 to 150 ⁇ L, especially about 100 ⁇ L, metered sprays. In some embodiments, a first metered spray is applied to a first nostril and if necessary a second metered spray is applied to a second nostril. In some optional embodiments, a third metered spray is applied to the first nostril. In some embodiments, a fourth metered spray is applied to the second nostril. In some embodiments, additional metered sprays are applied to alternating nostrils until the full target therapeutic dose has been administered to the patient.
• the dosage of temazepam varies by indication, however it is expected that a therapeutic dose will be in the range of about 1 to about 50, preferably about 5 to about 30 mg per dose, from 1 to 8, preferably from 2 to 8, and in some preferred embodiments about 4 to about 6 times per day.
• Temazepam may be manufactured using the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,340,253 or 3,374,225, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• temazepam may be administered in 25 to 250 ⁇ L metered sprays. In some preferred embodiments, temazepam is administered in 50 to 150 ⁇ L, especially about 100 ⁇ L, metered sprays. In some embodiments, a first metered spray is applied to a first nostril and if necessary a second metered spray is applied to a second nostril. In some optional embodiments, a third metered spray is applied to the first nostril. In some embodiments, a fourth metered spray is applied to the second nostril. In some embodiments, additional metered sprays are applied to alternating nostrils until the full target therapeutic dose has been administered to the patient.
• benzodiazepine drugs for treating the aforementioned disorders will vary with age, size, weight, and general physical condition of the patient as well as the severity of the disease. Frequency of administration will likewise vary with the formulation of the composition and it can be adjusted so that any suitable number of doses per day may be used.
• a pharmaceutical composition comprising diazepam is prepared. It is formulated as a solution to be delivered via a nasal delivery device.
• the composition is used to treat or prevent seizures associated with epilepsy in adults. Treatment is administered either before or after a seizure has begun. If the patient is seizing, it is administered as 1 puff from any nasal delivery device (1 puff at 5.0 mg/puff (5.0 mg/0.1 mL and 0.1 mL/puff)) every 5 minutes until cessation of the seizure. However, it can be given as 1 puff per nostril in each nostril (2 puffs at 2.5 mg/puff (5.0 mg/0.1 mL and 0.05 mL/puff)) every 5 minutes until cessation of the seizure.
• the composition according to this example is set forth in the following table.
• a pharmaceutical composition comprising diazepam is prepared. It is formulated as a solution to be delivered via a nasal delivery device.
• the composition is used to treat or prevent seizures associated with epilepsy in children. Treatment is administered either before or after a seizure has begun. If the patient is seizing, it is administered as 1 puff from any nasal delivery device (1 puff at 2.0 mg/puff (2.0 mg/0.1 mL and 0.1 mL/puff)). If the seizure fails to stop another dose may be administered after 5 minutes. However, it can be given as 1 puff per nostril in each nostril (2 puffs at 1.0 mg/puff (2.0 mg/0.1 mL and 0.05 mL/puff)). If the seizure fails to stop another dose may be administered after 5 minutes.
• the composition according to this example is set forth in the following table.
• benzodiazepine solutions may be formulated by combining one or more natural or synthetic tocopherols or tocotrienols and one or more lower alcohols or glycols and mixing until a homogeneous mixture is formed, adding the benzodiazepine drug to the homogeneous mixture, heating and mixing the ingredients until the benzodiazepine is fully dissolved in the homogeneous mixture, cooling the mixture, and bringing the mixture to its final mass or volume with lower alcohol or glycol.
• Vitamin E USP and dehydrated ethanol USP were combined in the amounts set forth in the following table and mixed to form a homogeneous mixture.
• Diazepam in the amounts set forth in the following table was then added to the homogeneous mixture.
• the ingredients were heated to 40-45° C. with mixing until the diazepam was fully dissolved, thereby forming a solution.
• the solution was cooled to 20-25° C., whereupon the solution was brought to its final target weight with dehydrated ethanol USP and the solution was mixed thoroughly to assure homogeneity.
• the solution was then sampled for in-process testing and packaged in 3 mL amber glass vials.
• diazepam at varying concentrations are made in a similar manner, by varying the amount of diazepam and the relative amounts of Vitamin E and ethanol.
• Other benzodiazepine solutions are made by substituting one or more benzodiazepines for diazepam.
• Other ingredients, such as alkyl glycoside, can be added at a suitable step in the process (e.g. before or concurrently with the addition of benzodiazepine).
• benzodiazepine suspensions are formulated by micronizing benzodiazepine and combining the benzodiazepine with a carrier.
• the carrier is prepared by combining one or more lower alcohols or glycols with water, adding a natural or synthetic tocopherol or tocotrienol, heating the mixture until the tocopherol or tocotrienol is dissolved, adding one or more parabens and mixing until the parabens are dissolved and cooling the carrier.
• additional excipients such as surfactants, can optionally be added and dissolved in the carrier.
• the suspension is then brought up to its final mass or volume with water.
• Two different diazepam suspensions were formulated by the foregoing general process. Two different diazepam particle sizes were prepared—A: a small particle size by prepared by high pressure micronization, and B: a large particle size prepared by low pressure micronization.
• the carrier was prepared by combining propylene glycol USP and purified water USP, then adding Vitamin E Polyethylene Glycols Succinate NF, then mixing and heating the combined ingredients to about 45° C. Mixing was continued until the Vitamin E Polyethylene Glycol Succinate was fully dissolved. The carrier was then cooled to 20-25° C. The micronized diazepam (A and B) was then added to the carrier with vigorous mixing until the diazepam was fully dispersed in the carrier.
• Polyvinylpyrrolidone Povidone USP/NF was then added to the mixture and mixed until fully dissolved.
• the suspension was then brought up to weight with purified water USP.
• the suspension was then mixed until homogeneous, sampled for in-process testing, and packaged in 3 mL amber glass bottles.
• Diazepam Suspension Formulations Suspension 03 Suspension 01 (200 mg/mL Diazepam) (100 mg/mL Diazepam) Component Concentration (mg/mL) Concentration (mg/mL) Diazepam USP 200.00 100.00 Vitamin E 100.0 100.0 Polyethylene Glycol Succinate NF Methylparaben NF 2.0 2.0 Propylparaben NF 0.5 0.5 Propylene Glycol 100.0 100.0 USP Povidone USP/NF 25.0 25.0 Purified Water q.s. to 1 mL q.s. to 1 mL USP/EP
• Additional suspensions of diazepam at varying concentrations are made in a similar manner, by varying the amount of diazepam and optionally other excipients.
• Other benzodiazepine suspensions are made by substituting one or more benzodiazepines for diazepam.
• Other ingredients such as alkyl glycoside, can be added at a suitable step in the process.
• an alkylglycoside may be added to the carrier during compounding of the carrier, or may be added to the suspension mixture concurrently with or after addition of the povidone.
• Solutions 00 and 02 (Example 3) and Suspensions 01 and 03 (Example 4) were setup on stability at 25° C./60% RH, 30° C./65% RH and 40° C./75% RH.
• One batch each of four different formulations, packaged in 3-ml vials with screw-top closures, along with corresponding actuators, were set up at three storage conditions. They are listed in Table 1 with their corresponding Particle Sciences initial sample control numbers.
• Samples were tested for spray content uniformity, spray volume, diazepam content, diazepam related substances, and methylparaben and propylparaben assay (suspension samples only). Unit weights were determined as per USP ⁇ 755>.
• Solution 00 results Solution 00, 1 1 1 3 3 3 6 6 6 70 mg/mI, month month month month month month month month month 65% 25° C./ 30° C./ 40° C./ 25° C./ 30° C./ 40° C./ 25° C./ 30° C./ 40° C./ Vitamin E Specifications Initial 60% RH 65% RH 75% RH 60% RH 65% RH 75% RH 60% RH 65% RH 75% RH Description Yellow to Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber Amber orange solution solution solution solution solution solution solution solution
• the solutions and suspensions of Examples 3, 4 and 6 are evaluated for pharmacokinetics in a suitable animal model, such as in mice, rats, rabbits or dogs.
• a suitable animal model such as in mice, rats, rabbits or dogs.
• each animal e.g. rabbit
• the amount of intravenously dosed benzodiazepine drug is selected to be less, e.g. roughly half, of what is considered an effective dose administered nasally.
• the intravenous dose of diazepam administered to rabbits is about 0.05 to about 0.2 mg/kg, e.g. about 0.1 mg/kg.
• Blood is collected immediately before administration and at specific time points post-administration. Plasma blood levels of the drug are assayed for each of the blood samples.
• each animal is administered, intranasally, an amount of a solution or suspension as described in Examples 3, 4 and 6.
• Blood is collected immediately before administration and at substantially the same specific time points as the IV dose post-administration.
• Pharmacokinetic curves blood plasma concentration of drug versus time are constructed for the intravenous route of administration and for each of the solutions and suspensions administered by the intranasal administration route.
• Toxicity is assessed by known means.
• histological samples are collected from the nasal mucosal tissues of the test animals.
• Other toxological methods are optionally employed as well.
• the solutions and suspensions of Examples 3, 4 and 6 are evaluated for their ability to deliver drug across the blood brain barrier in a suitable animal model, such as in mice, rats, rabbits or dogs.
• a suitable animal model such as in mice, rats, rabbits or dogs.
• Each animal is administered, intranasally, an amount of a solution or suspension as described in Examples 3, 4 and 6, with the solution or suspension optionally containing an imaging agent, such as a dye, that may be used as a proxy for determining the ability of the drug to cross the blood brain barrier.
• an imaging agent such as a dye
• the above-described solutions and/or suspensions can be evaluated for pharmacokinetics in humans.
• Normal, healthy human test subjects are administered an amount of the drug intravenously.
• the amount chosen for intravenous administration may be any amount, but is conveniently a dose that is considered effective in treating seizure in humans.
• an IV dose of diazepam administered to humans may be in the range of 1 to 15 mg, e.g. about 7.5 mg.
• Blood is collected immediately before administration and at selected time points after administration. Plasma blood levels of the drug are assayed for each of the blood samples. After at least a one day washout period, each subject is administered, intranasally, an amount of a solution or suspension as described herein. Blood is collected immediately before administration and at substantially the same time points after administration as the intravenous time points. Pharmacokinetic curves (blood plasma concentration of drug versus time) are constructed for the intravenous and intranasal administration routes.
• solutions and/or suspensions can be evaluated for efficacy in a suitable animal model. Briefly, for each dose of suspension or solution to be tested, a test animal is stimulated with a seizure inducing stimulus. The stimulus may be light, sound, chemical or other stimulus effective to induce seizure in the model animal. Once the animal has begun to seize, a solution or suspension as described herein is administered intranasally to the animal. The efficacy of the dose of the solution and/or suspension is evaluated based upon the animal's response to the test dose. This procedure is repeated through sufficient iterations, and at sufficient numbers of doses, to identify a dose that is considered effective to treat seizure by intranasal administration of the drug.

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• 2009
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