Method for alleviating keratoconjunctivitis sicca
AssigneeElorac, Ltd
InventorJoel E. Bernstein
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Abstract
Improved methods and compositions are disclosed for treating dry eye by administering intranasally a therapeutically effective amount of a capsaicinoid compound embedded in multiple layers of solid lamellar crystals of monoglycerides to patients with deficient tear production. The lipophilic capsaicinoid drug is embedded in multiple layers of solid lamellar crystals of monoglycerides, and these crystals are incorporated into pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles comprised of solutions, suspensions, foams, creams, ointments, and gels. The resulting formulations of the capsaicinoid are suitable for application to the nasal mucosa or skin and are more stable, less irritating to skin and mucous membranes, and provide increased and more controlled release of the capsaicinoid compound.
Claims20
A composition suitable for intranasal or topical application to the skin or mucous membranes of a mammal comprising:
- a capsaicinoid compound encapsulated in lamellar crystals of a monoglyceride;
- and
- pharmaceutically acceptable excipients;
- wherein the capsaicinoid compound is present in the composition in a range of about 0.001% to about 1%.
A method of making a composition for treating keratoconjunctivitis sicca comprising the steps of:
- adding a capsaicinoid compound and a monoglyceride to water to form a mixture;
- mixing and heating the mixture at least to the melting point of the monoglyceride;
- cooling the mixture to cause crystallization of the monoglyceride and encapsulation of the capsaicinoid compound in monoglyceride crystals;
- wherein the capsaicinoid compound is present in the composition in a range of about 0.001% to about 1%.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.