Zeolite molecular sieves for the removal of toxins

Abstract

Medical use of natural and synthetic zeolites for treatment, prevention, and palliation in humans or animals of deleterious concentrations of ammonia, mercaptans, heavy metals and other toxins by oral administration.

1 . A method of treating, preventing, or palliating elevated human blood lead levels, comprising administering to a human in need thereof a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a synthetic sodium aluminosilicate zeolite and a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, wherein:
 (a) the synthetic sodium aluminosilicate is particulate and at least 90% of the particles are of particle size from about 90 μm to about 150 μm;   (b) the formulation is administered in doses of about 10 mg to about 1000 mg sodium aluminosilicate.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least about 95% of the particles are of particle size from about 90 μm to about 150 μm. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the formulation is from about 50% (w/w) to about 95% (w/w) water. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the formulation is a capsule or tablet administered enterally. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the human is suffering from chronic lead poisoning. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the human has an elevated blood lead level. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the human has a blood lead level of at least about 10 μg/L. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the human is between about 2 and about 15 years of age. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the human is about 6 years of age or younger. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the formulation further comprises a bacteriostat. 
     
     
         11 . A method of treating, preventing, or palliating elevated human blood ammonia levels, comprising administering to a human in need thereof a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a synthetic sodium aluminosilicate zeolite and a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, wherein:
 (a) the synthetic sodium aluminosilicate is particulate and at least 90% of the particles are of particle size from about 90 μm to about 150 μm;   (b) the formulation is from about 50% (w/w) to about 95% (w/w) water; and   (c) the formulation is administered in doses of about 2 g to about 15 g sodium aluminosilicate.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein at least about 95% of the particles are of particle size from about 90 μm to about 150 μm. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the human is suffering from hepatic encephalopathy or cirrhosis of the liver. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the human has a history of liver failure. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the formulation is a liquid gel administered enterally. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the human's blood ammonia level is above normal. 
     
     
         17 . A method, comprising administering to a human in need thereof a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a synthetic sodium aluminosilicate zeolite and a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, wherein:
 (a) the synthetic sodium aluminosilicate is particulate and at least about 95% of the particles are of particle size from about 90 μm to about 150 μm;   (b) the formulation is administered in doses of from about 5 g to about 12 g sodium aluminosilicate; and   (c) the human has a higher than normal risk of elevated blood levels of a toxic metal or has a higher than normal risk of hepatic encephalopathy.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the human is a hospital in-patient. 
     
     
         19 . (canceled)