Topical formulations for treating neuropathy

Abstract

Compositions for the topical or transdermal treatment of neuropathy. More particularly, transdermal or topical compositions including a combination of ingredients that provide a surprising degree of effective relief from the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are described.

1 . A topical formulation for treating a subject suffering from peripheral neuropathy, comprising:
 ketamine in an amount of greater than 10% by weight;   a glutamate antagonist; and   a third compound which potentiates the activity of the ketamine.   
     
     
         2 . The topical formulation of  claim 1 , wherein glutamate antagonist comprises gabapentin. 
     
     
         3 . The topical formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the ketamine is in an amount of greater than 15% by weight. 
     
     
         4 . The topical formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the ketamine is in an amount of greater than 20% by weight. 
     
     
         5 . The topical formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the third compound comprises clonidine. 
     
     
         6 . The topical formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises gabapentin in an amount of less than 10% by weight. 
     
     
         7 . The topical formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the third compound is selected from an NMDA ligands, AMPA ligands, non-NMDA or AMPA ligands, TNF-1α ligand, GABA ligand and α-2 ligands. 
     
     
         8 . The topical formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the third compound is selected from an Substance P blocking agent, a Mu-agonist, a non-NMDA calcium channel antagonist, or a TNF-1α antagonist. 
     
     
         9 . The topical formulation of  claim 1 , wherein said formulation is in a form selected from the group consisting of: cream, lotion, gel, oil, ointment, suppository, spray, foam, liniment, aerosol, buccal and sublingual tablet or a transdermal device for absorption through the skin or mucous membranes. 
     
     
         10 . The topical formulation of  claim 9 , wherein the formulation has an ointment base that makes up more than about 70% of the total formulation. 
     
     
         11 . A topical composition for treating a subject suffering from peripheral neuropathy, said composition comprising an effective amount of ketamine, a glutamate antagonist and a third analgesic which potentiates the activity of ketamine, formulated in a pharmaceutically acceptable topical carrier. 
     
     
         12 . The topical composition of  claim 11 , wherein the glutamate antagonist comprises gabapentin. 
     
     
         13 . The topical composition of  claim 11 , wherein the composition comprises ketamine in an amount of greater than 10% by weight. 
     
     
         14 . The topical composition of  claim 11 , wherein the ketamine is in an amount of greater than 15% by weight. 
     
     
         15 . The topical composition of  claim 11 , wherein the third compound comprises clonidine. 
     
     
         16 . The topical composition of  claim 11 , wherein the composition comprises gabapentin in an amount of less than 10% by weight. 
     
     
         17 . The topical composition of  claim 11 , wherein the third compound is selected from an NMDA ligands, AMPA ligands, non-NMDA or AMPA ligands, TNF-1α ligand, GABA ligand and α-2 ligands. 
     
     
         18 . The topical composition of  claim 11 , wherein the third compound is selected from an Substance P blocking agent, a Mu-agonist, a non-NMDA calcium channel antagonist, or a TNF-1α antagonist. 
     
     
         19 . The topical composition of  claim 11 , wherein said composition is in a form selected from the group consisting of: cream, lotion, gel, oil, ointment, suppository, spray, foam, liniment, aerosol, buccal and sublingual tablet or a transdermal device for absorption through the skin or mucous membranes. 
     
     
         20 . The topical composition of  claim 19 , wherein the composition has an ointment base that makes up more than about 70% of the total composition.