Compositions containing alpha-2-adrenergic agonist components

Abstract

Compositions useful for improving effectiveness of alpha-2-adrenergic agonist components include carrier components, alpha-2-adrenergic agonist components, solubility enhancing components which aid in solubilizing the alpha-2-adrenergic agonist components. In one embodiment, the alpha-2-adrenergic agonist components include alpha-2-adrenergic agonists. In another embodiment, the solubility enhancing components include carboxymethylcellulose.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A therapeutically effective aqueous ophthalmic composition comprising:
 a solution containing 0.1% (w/v) of a compound selected from the group consisting of brimonidine, a salt of brimonidine, and an ester of brimonidine,   wherein the solution further comprises an oxy-chloro preservative and carboxymethylcellulose,   wherein the composition has a pH between 7.0-8.0.   
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1  which comprises about 0.1% (w/v) of brimonidine tartrate. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1  which comprises 0.1% (w/v) of brimonidine tartrate. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of either of  claim 3  wherein the carboxymethyl cellulose enhances the solubility of brimonidine tartrate in solution. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 3  wherein the oxy-chloro component is Purite. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 3  further comprising boric acid. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 3  further comprising sodium borate. 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 3  further comprising hydrochloric acid. 
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 8  wherein the composition has a pH of 7.4-8.0.