Use of carrageenans in topical ophthalmic compositions
First Claim
1. A method of delivering a drug to the eye which comprises topically administering a composition comprising a drug and a carrageenan capable of gelation upon exposure to sodium ions at concentrations found in lachrymal fluid, wherein the carrageenan is present at a concentration which allows the composition to be administrable as a drop which gels upon instillation to the eye, wherein the carrageenan has not more than about 1.0 sulfate moieties per disaccharide repeating unit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Topical ophthalmic compositions of carrageenans which are administrable as a drop but which become more viscous or gel upon instillation in the eye are disclosed. Methods for use of the compositions as topical ophthalmic vehicles for pharmaceutically active agents, and alone as lubricants or tear supplements, are also disclosed.
309 Citations
13 Claims
- 1. A method of delivering a drug to the eye which comprises topically administering a composition comprising a drug and a carrageenan capable of gelation upon exposure to sodium ions at concentrations found in lachrymal fluid, wherein the carrageenan is present at a concentration which allows the composition to be administrable as a drop which gels upon instillation to the eye, wherein the carrageenan has not more than about 1.0 sulfate moieties per disaccharide repeating unit.
Specification