Compositions, kits, and methods for inhibiting cerebral neurovascular disorders and muscular headaches

Abstract

Methods, kits, and compositions for inhibiting a cerebral neurovascular disorder or a muscular headache in a human patient are provided. The methods comprise intranasally administering to the patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising a local anesthetic, and preferably a long-acting local anesthetic ingredient. A composition useful for practicing the methods of the invention is described which comprises at least one local anesthetic in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the composition is formulated for intranasal delivery. Cerebral neurovascular disorders include migraine and cluster headache. Muscular headaches include tension headaches and muscle contraction headaches. A kit comprising the composition and an intranasal applicator and a method of systemically delivering a pharmaceutically active agent to an animal are also included in the invention.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A method for treating migraine in a patient, the method comprising administering intranasally to the patient a local anesthetic selected from the group consisting of bupivacaine and ropivacaine in an amount effective to treat the migraine.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the local anesthetic is in a levo enantiomeric form in excess of at least about 90% with respect to the dextro enantiomeric form of the local anesthetic.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the local anesthetic is ropivacaine.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the local anesthetic is levoropivacaine.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the local anesthetic is bupivacaine.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the local anesthetic is administered as a solution in the form of drops or spray.