Methods and Compositions to Inhibit Symptoms Associated with Viral Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of reducing or preventing the symptoms associated with the common cold. The method comprises administering to a subject an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition before presenting with at least one symptom of the common cold. The pharmaceutical composition comprises a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and a co-agent selected from the group consisting of: fexofenadine, ketotifen, desloratadine, salts thereof, and combinations thereof.

1 . A method of inhibiting the symptoms associated with common cold, comprising:
 administering an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition to a subject at risk of acquiring the common cold, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises:   a) a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and/or a salt thereof; and b) a co-agent selected from the group consisting of: fexofenadine, ketotifen, desloratadine, salts thereof, and combinations thereof;   wherein the symptoms associated with the common cold are inhibited.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the NSAID is selected from the group consisting of: aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, diflunisal, etodolac, indomethacin, ketoprofen, ketorolac, meloxicam, nabumetone, oxaprozin, piroxicam, salsalate, sulindac, and tolmetin. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the NSAID is naproxen sodium and the co-agent is fexofenadine. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the amount of naproxen sodium is about 220 mg to about 880 mg, and the amount of fexofenadine is about 60 mg to about 180 mg. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the naproxen sodium and the fexofenadine is combined in one unit dose. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the naproxen sodium and the fexofenadine is in the form of a tablet, lozenge or chewing gum. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administered daily beginning at most one week before common cold symptoms appear. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administered at most beginning three days before common cold symptoms appear. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the symptoms include congestion, coughing, fever, and/or muscle/joint pain. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the amount of ibuprofen is about 200 mg to about 800 mg. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the amount of aspirin is about 325 mg to about 1000 mg. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the amount of ketotifen is about 0.5 mg to about 3 mg. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the amount of desloratadine is about 5 mg to about 10 mg. 
     
     
         14 . A method of inhibiting the symptoms associated with the common cold, comprising:
 administering to a subject an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition prior to appearance of a common cold symptom, wherein the pharmaceutical composition consists essentially of:   a) about 220 mg to about 880 mg of naproxen sodium, and about 60 mg to about 180 mg fexofenadine,   wherein the symptoms associated with the common cold are inhibited.   
     
     
         15 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising a) an NSAID, and/or a salt thereof; and b) a co-agent selected from the group consisting of: fexofenadine, ketotifen, desloratadine, salts thereof and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         16 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 15  wherein the composition is in the form of an orally-dissolving tablet or lozenge. 
     
     
         17 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 15  wherein the NSAID is selected from the group consisting of: aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, diflunisal, etodolac, indomethacin, ketoprofen, ketorolac, meloxicam, nabumetone, oxaprozin, piroxicam, salsalate, sulindac, and tolmetin. 
     
     
         18 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 15  wherein the NSAID is naproxen sodium and the co-agent is fexofenadine. 
     
     
         19 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 18  wherein the amount of naproxen sodium is about 110 mg to about 900 mg, and the amount of fexofenadine is about 25 mg to about 200 mg.