Stable prostaglandin-containing compositions

Abstract

A pharmaceutical composition containing a prostaglandin and an alkanoic acid ester of a polyethoxylated sorbitol in an amount effective to enhance the chemical stability of the prostaglandin, and the use thereof for treating ophthalmic conditions. Also disclosed are methods for enhancing the chemical stability of a prostaglandin-containing composition by using an alkanoic acid ester of a polyethoxylated sorbitol.

1 . A pharmaceutical composition consisting essentially of:
 (a) travoprost (II) at a concentration of 0.002% to 0.008% w/v;   (b) a monooleate ester of a polyethoxylated sorbitol at a concentration of 0.4 to 0.6% w/v; and   (c) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.   
     
     
         2 . A pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 1 , wherein the monooleate ester of a polyethoxylated sorbitol is present at a concentration of 0.5% w/v. 
     
     
         3 . A pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 1 , wherein the monooleate ester of a polyethoxylated sorbitol is polysorbate 80. 
     
     
         4 . A pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 1 , wherein the travoprost is present at a concentration of 0.004% w/v. 
     
     
         5 . A pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 1 , wherein the composition has a pH in the range 5.0 to 7.5. 
     
     
         6 . A pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 5 , wherein the pH is approximately 6.0. 
     
     
         7 . A pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 1  for topical applications. 
     
     
         8 . A pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 7  for use in the treatment of ocular hypertension. 
     
     
         9 . A pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 7  for use in the treatment of glaucoma.