Treatment of abnormal increases in gastrointestinal motility with (R)-verapamil

Abstract

The present invention is directed to methods of treating, preventing, and/or managing abnormal increases in gastrointestinal motility, and intestinal conditions that cause the same. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), infectious diseases of the small and large intestines, and symptoms of any of the foregoing. In particular, the present invention discloses methods of using (R)-verapamil, as well as compositions and formulations containing the same.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for treating an abnormal increase in gastrointestinal motility comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of (R)-verapamil, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, substantially purified from its S stereoisomer, to a subject in need of such treatment.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject is suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), an infectious disease of the small or large intestine, or symptoms of any of the foregoing.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the subject is suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the (R)-verapamil is provided in a pharmaceutical formulation.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the (R)-verapamil formulation is a solid dosage form.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the (R)-verapamil formulation is administered orally, nasally, rectally, intravaginally, parenterally, buccally, sublingually or topically.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the (R)-verapamil formulation is administered rectally or orally.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the (R)-verapamil formulation is provided as a tablet, capsule, or suppository.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the (R)-verapamil formulation comprises one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the excipient is a starch, sugar, cellulose, diluent, granulating agent, lubricant, binder, disintegrating agent, wetting agent, emulsifier, coloring agent, release agent, coating agent, sweetening agent, flavoring agent, perfuming agent, preservative, antioxidant, plasticizer, gelling agent, thickener, hardener, setting agent, suspending agent, surfactant, humectant, carrier, stabilizer, or a combination thereof.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the (R)-verapamil is administered from one to five times per day.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the (R)-verapamil is administered one time per day.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject is a human.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the (R)-verapamil is administered orally and the amount of (R)-verapamil ranges from about 30 mg to about 600 mg per day.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the amount of (R)-verapamil administered ranges from about 60 mg to about 480 mg per day.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the formulation further comprises one or more additional pharmaceutically active compounds.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the (R)-verapamil is administered in combination with one or more additional pharmaceutically active compounds.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the (R)-verapamil is provided in a modified-release formulation.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the modified-release formulation comprises one or more water-soluble polymers, water-insoluble polymers, or a combination thereof.  
     
     
         21 . The method of claim  20 , wherein the water-soluble polymer is chosen from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         22 . The method of claim  20 , wherein the water-insoluble polymer is chosen from ethylcellulose, cellulose acetate cellulose propionate, cellulose acetate propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose triacetate, poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(ethyl methacrylate), poly(butyl methacrylate), poly(isobutyl methacrylate), and poly(hexyl methacrylate), poly(isodecyl methacrylate), poly(lauryl methacrylate), poly(phenyl methacrylate), poly(methyl acrylate), poly(isopropyl acrylate), poly(isobutyl acrylate), poly(octadecyl acrylate), poly(ethylene), poly(ethylene) low density, poly(ethylene) high density, poly(ethylene oxide), poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(vinyl isobutyl ether), poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl chloride) or polyurethane, and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the modified-release formulation is an osmotic pump dosage form.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the modified-release formulation is a matrix system dosage form.  
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the modified-release formulation is a membrane controlled dosage form.  
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the modified-release formulation comprises a functional coating.  
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the modified-release formulation is provided in the form of a caplet, capsule, bead, granule, particle for suspension prior to dosing, sachet, or tablet.  
     
     
         28 . A method for preventing an abnormal increase in gastrointestinal motility comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of (R)-verapamil, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, substantially purified from its S stereoisomer, to a subject in need of such administration.  
     
     
         29 . A method for managing an abnormal increase in gastrointestinal motility comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of (R)-verapamil, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, substantially purified from its S stereoisomer, to a subject in need of such administration.  
     
     
         30 . A method for reducing an abnormal increase in gastrointestinal motility comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of (R)-verapamil, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, substantially purified from its S stereoisomer, to a subject in need of such administration.