Device and method for treating combination dependencies

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an oral medication delivery device and a method of using the device to reduce the incidence of tobacco smoking and/or treat a second dependency in a person. The device comprises a tubular chamber having a first end suitable for taking in liquid or gas from an external source and a second end suitable for the application of oral suction. The chamber contains nicotine, another drug, and a retainer for preventing release of the drugs from the first end of the chamber.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An oral medication delivery device comprising: 
 (a) a tubular chamber having a first end suitable for taking in a liquid from an external source and a second end suitable for oral application of suction;    (b) nicotine and a second drug contained within the tubular chamber; and    (c) a retainer in the tubular chamber for preventing release of the nicotine, second drug, or liquid from the first end of the chamber,    wherein the liquid enters the chamber from the external source through the first end of the chamber, and then the liquid, the nicotine, and the second drug are delivered through the second end of the chamber, when oral suction is applied to the second end of the chamber.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular chamber approximates the size and shape of a conventional cigarette.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular chamber approximates the size and shape of a conventional drinking straw.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer is fixed proximal to the first end of the chamber.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer is transportable toward the second end of the chamber with the nicotine, second drug, and liquid when suction is applied to the second end of the chamber.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the second drug is naltrexone.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the tubular chamber contains from about 4 milligrams to about 25 milligrams of naltrexone.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular chamber contains from about 4 milligrams to about 12 milligrams of nicotine.  
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the nicotine is selected from the group consisting of levo nicotine, dextro nicotine, racemic mixtures thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.  
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the nicotine and the second drug are in the form of coated particles of powdered drug.  
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the drug particles are coated to enhance palatability.  
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the nicotine and the second drug are incorporated in spheres comprising at least one material selected from the group consisting of sugar, starch, acacia, sodium alginate, carbomer, cellulose, dextrotes, ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, and povidone.  
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein a solution of nicotine and the second drug is formed when the liquid enters the chamber and contacts the nicotine and the second drug.  
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the solution is a suspension.  
     
     
         15 . A method for reducing the incidence of tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption by a person, the method comprising orally administering nicotine and naltrexone to the person using an oral delivery device, the device comprising: 
 (a) a tubular chamber having a first end suitable for taking in a liquid from an external source and a second end suitable for oral application of suction;    (b) nicotine and naltrexone contained within the tubular chamber; and    (c) a retainer in the tubular chamber for preventing release of the nicotine, naltrexone, or liquid from the first end of the chamber,    wherein oral administration comprises application of oral suction by the person to the second end of the chamber, wherein the liquid enters the chamber from the external source through the first end of the chamber, and then the liquid and the nicotine and naltrexone are delivered through the second end of the chamber into the mouth of the person.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein a single dose of nicotine and naltrexone administered to the person includes from about 4 milligrams to about 12 milligrams of nicotine and from about 4 milligrams to about 25 milligrams of naltrexone.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the total daily dose of nicotine administered to the person is from about 4 milligrams to about 144 milligrams of nicotine.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the total daily dose of naltrexone administered to the person is from about 4 milligrams to about 300 milligrams of naltrexone.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein a solution of nicotine and naltrexone is formed when the liquid enters the chamber and contacts the nicotine and naltrexone.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the solution has an acidic pH.