Serotonergic 5HT2 agonists for treating glaucoma

Abstract

Compounds with 5HT 2 receptor agonist activity useful for treating glaucoma, including lowering intraocular pressure. Compositions and methods for their use are also disclosed.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method for treating glaucoma which comprises administering to a person in need thereof, a composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound with 5HT 2  receptor agonist activity.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the 5HT 2  receptor agonist is present at a concentration of 0.01 weight percent to 5 weight percent.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the concentration is 0.25 weight percent to 2 weight percent.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the 5HT 2  receptor agonist is (R)-DOI, α-Methylserotonin, 5-Methoxy-α-methyltryptamine.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the composition additionally comprises another compound selected from the group consisting of β-blockers, prostaglandins, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α 2  agonists, and miotics.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the compound is an α 2  agonist.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the α 2  agonist is selected from the group consisting of apraclonidine and brimonidine.  
     
     
         8 . A composition for treating glaucoma comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound with 5HT 2  receptor agonist activity.  
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 8  wherein the 5HT 2  receptor agonists concentration is 0.01 weight percent to 5 weight percent.  
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 9  wherein the concentration is 0.25 weight percent to 2 weight percent.  
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 8  wherein the 5HT 2  receptor agonist is selected from the group consisting of (R)-DOI, α-Methylserotonin, 5-Methoxy-α-methyltryptamine.  
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 8  wherein the composition additionally comprises another compound selected from the group consisting of β-blockers, prostaglandins, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α 2  agonists, and miotics.  
     
     
         13 . The composition of  claim 12  wherein the compound is an α 2  agonist.  
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 13  wherein the α 2  agonist is selected from the group consisting of apraclonidine and brimonidine.