Neurotherapeutic compositions

Abstract

Novel neuroprotectant compositions and methods are described. β-Lactamase inhibitors are used to prevent or reduce loss of neuronal cells and neuronal cell function in patients afflicted with or susceptible to disease states or conditions known to result in or cause neuronal tissue insult.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A neurotherapeutic pharmaceutical composition in unit dosage form for parenteral administration, said composition consisting essentially of a neuroprotective amount of a β-lactamase inhibitor and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.  
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1  in a prolonged release dosage form.  
     
     
         3 . A neurotherapeutic pharmaceutical composition in unit dosage form for transdermal administration, said composition consisting essentially of a neuroprotective amount of a β-lactamase inhibitor and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.  
     
     
         4 . A neurotherapeutic pharmaceutical composition in a saliva soluble lozenge dosage form for buccal or sublingual administration, said composition consisting essentially of a neuroprotective amount of a β-lactamase inhibitor and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.  
     
     
         5 . A neurotherapeutic pharmaceutical composition in suppository dosage form, said composition consisting essentially of a neuroprotective amount of a β-lactamase inhibitor and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.  
     
     
         6 . A neurotherapeutic pharmaceutical composition in a dosage form for inhalation administration, said composition consisting essentially of a neuroprotective amount of a β-lactamase inhibitor and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.  
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the β-lactamase inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of clavulanic acid, sulbactam, tazobactam and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or active esters thereof.  
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 2  wherein the β-lactamase inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of clavulanic acid, sulbactam, tazobactam and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or active esters thereof.  
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 3  wherein the β-lactamase inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of clavulanic acid, sulbactam, tazobactam and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or active esters thereof.  
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 4  wherein the β-lactamase inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of clavulanic acid, sulbactam, tazobactam and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or active esters thereof.  
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 5  wherein the β-lactamase inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of clavulanic acid, sulbactam, tazobactam and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or active esters thereof.  
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 6  wherein the β-lactamase inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of clavulanic acid, sulbactam, tazobactam and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or active esters thereof.