Method of treating eye infections with azithromycin

Abstract

The invention features methods and compositions for treating ocular infections. The method comprises topically administering to an eye of an animal in need of such treatment an ocular infection-treating amount of azithromycin.

1 - 3 . (canceled)  
     
     
         4 . A composition for topical application directly to an eye of an animal, said composition being suitable for the treatment of an ocular infection, comprising an effective amount of azithromycin in a pharmaceutical vehicle for topical application for the eye, said composition being in the form of an ointment, gel or an ophthalmic solution in isotonic saline.  
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 4 , wherein said azithromycin is present in a range of from 0.1 to 2.5 weight %.  
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 4 , wherein said azithromycin is present in an amount of 0.5 weight %.  
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 4 , wherein said composition is 0.5% w/w azithromycin dihydrate suspension in an inert, non-allergenic, preservative-free vehicle comprising white petrolatum (55% w/w), mineral oil (42.5% w/w), and lanolin (2% w/w).  
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 4 , wherein said azithromycin concentration is from 0.2 to 2.0 weight %.  
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 4 , wherein said composition is suitable for application in a regimen comprising once-a-day topical dosing.  
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 4 , wherein said azithromycin is in the form of the dihydrate.  
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 4 , wherein said ocular infection is trachoma.