Solutions containing epinastin

Abstract

Topically administered aqueous solutions containing epinastin, optionally in the form of its racemate or its enantiomers and optionally in the form of the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof.

1 . A method for inhibiting the influx of neutrophils and eosinophils into the tissue of the ocular conjunctiva or the nasal mucous membrane in a host, the method comprising topically administering to a host in need of such treatment an aqueous solution comprising epinastine, optionally in the form of its racemate, its enantiomers, or its pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, in a concentration of 0.005 to 0.5 mg/ml of solution. 
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the concentration of epinastine in the aqueous solution is 0.02 to 0.1 mg/ml of solution. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the concentration of epinastine in the aqueous solution is 0.03 to 0.07 mg/ml of solution. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the aqueous solution comprises epinastine hydrochloride. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to one of  claims 1  or  2 , wherein the aqueous solution is adjusted to a pH of between 6.5 and 7.2 by means of a physiologically acceptable buffer. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the aqueous solution further comprises a preservative. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the preservative is selected from the group consisting of: benzalkonium chloride, chlorobutanol, thimerosal, phenyl mercury acetate, and phenyl mercury nitrate. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the aqueous solution further comprises a viscosity agent. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein the viscosity agent is selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl alcohol, povidone, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, poloxamers, carboxymethylcellulose, carbomers, and hydroxyethylcellulose. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the aqueous solution further comprises a penetration promoter. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the penetration promoter is selected from the group consisting of: cationic, anionic, non-ionogenic, and amphoteric surfactants; dimethylsulfoxide and other sulfoxides; dimethylacetamide and pyrrolidone; amides of heterocyclic amines; glycols; propylene carbonate; oleic acid; and alkylamines and derivatives thereof.