Topical composition for treating pain

Abstract

Topical compositions having as the active ingredient a lipid, fatty acid ester, natural wax, sterol, or combinations thereof referred to herein as “lipophilic vehicle” or “LV” and methods of use, have been developed for the amelioration or prevention of pain or the sequelae of pain. The composition may be in the form of an ointment, cream, gel, lotion, spray, foam, paste, patch, suspension or dispersion. In the preferred embodiment, the formulation is a gel. The LV may contain a penetration enhancer, most preferably one with membrane disruptive properties. The formulation may be applied to or impregnated into a gauze, wrap, bandage, cotton-tipped stick, adhesive bandage strip, or other support wrap or medical bandage or wound cover. For example, the compositions may be are incorporated onto or into disposables such as hemorrhoid wipes, sponge, mouth guards, dental trays; needles or catheters; adult diapers; gloves, socks or wrist bands, for ease of application. The composition is applied topically to a site at or adjacent to a painful region. The composition is reapplied as necessary. Pain relief is typically obtained within minutes and lasts for periods of variable duration ranging from minutes to several hours and even, in some cases, days. The composition is variably effective to treat visceral, somatic and neuropathic pain both acute and chronic as well as muscle pain and stiffness and joint pain and stiffness.

1 . A composition for alleviating hunger pain comprising a lipophilic vehicle, wherein the lipophilic vehicle itself is capable of alleviating the hunger pain. 
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1  further comprising a penetration enhancer. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 2  wherein the penetration enhancer comprises a sulphoxide, an azone, a pyrrolidone, an alcohol, an alkanol, an ether, a glycol, a surfactant, a terpene, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the lipophilic vehicle comprises a lipid, a phospholipid, a glycolipid, a fatty acid ester, a natural wax, a sterol, a seed oil, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 4  wherein the lipophilic vehicle comprises a phospholipid. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 5  wherein the phospholipid comprises lecithin. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 4  wherein the lipophilic vehicle comprises a fatty acid ester. 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 7  wherein the fatty acid ester comprises isopropyl myristate. 
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 4  wherein the lipophilic vehicle comprises a natural wax. 
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 9  wherein the natural wax comprises beeswax or lanolin. 
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 4  wherein the lipophilic vehicle comprises a seed oil. 
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 11  wherein the seed oil comprises  macadamia  nut oil, grape seed oil, cottonseed oil, or sesame oil. 
     
     
         13 . The composition of  claim 1  further comprising a hydrophilic polymer. 
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 13  wherein the hydrophilic polymer comprises polyethylene glycol. 
     
     
         15 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the composition is in the form of an ointment, cream, gel, lotion, spray, foam, paste, suspension, or dispersion. 
     
     
         16 . The composition of  claim 1  further comprising an antimicrobial or disinfectant. 
     
     
         17 . A device for alleviating hunger pain comprising:
 a) a substrate; and   b) a composition comprising a lipophilic vehicle on or impregnated within the substrate,   wherein the lipophilic vehicle itself is capable of alleviating the hunger pain.   
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17  wherein the substrate comprises a bandage, gauze, an adhesive strip, a wipe, a wrap, a sponge, a swab, a patch, a dressing, or an article of clothing. 
     
     
         19 . A method for alleviating hunger pain comprising topically applying a lipophilic vehicle on or adjacent to an abdominal region, wherein the lipophilic vehicle itself is capable of alleviating the hunger pain. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising topically reapplying the composition. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the lipophilic vehicle is topically applied using a substrate. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the lipophilic vehicle is applied to the substrate prior to topical application. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the lipophilic vehicle is impregnated within the substrate. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the substrate comprises a bandage, gauze, an adhesive strip, a wipe, a wrap, a sponge, a swab, a patch, or an article of clothing. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising application of electrotherapy, heat, laser, ultrasound, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising administration of an appetite suppressant or an obesity medication. 
     
     
         27 . A kit comprising:
 a) a composition comprising a lipophilic vehicle, wherein the lipophilic vehicle itself is capable of alleviating hunger pain; and   b) optionally, one or more substrates for applying the composition on or adjacent to an abdominal region.   
     
     
         28 . The kit of  claim 27  further comprising an appetite suppressant or an obesity medication.