Treatment of Female Genital Schistosomiasis

Abstract

Formulations of praziquantel are used to locally treat female genital schistosomiasis. The formulations can be applied to the upper or lower female genital tract, depending on the location of the infection. Thick or viscous formulations can be used advantageously in the vagina. Solutions of active ingredient can be instilled in the uterus.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A pharmaceutical composition for treating female genital schistosomiasis, comprising:
 praziquantel in a water soluble vehicle.   
     
     
         2 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 ivermectin.   
     
     
         3 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 1 , wherein the vehicle is a cream, film, gel, or foam. 
     
     
         4 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 ivermectin.   
     
     
         5 . A vaginal applicator comprising:
 a reservoir and   an expeller,   wherein the reservoir is preloaded with praziquantel and a water soluble vehicle, and   wherein the expeller urges, upon activation, the praziquantel and the water soluble vehicle out of the reservoir and out of the vaginal applicator.   
     
     
         6 . The vaginal applicator of  claim 5 , wherein the reservoir is preloaded with the praziquantel, with the water soluble vehicle, and with ivermectin. 
     
     
         7 . A unit dosage form of praziquantel, selected from the group consisting of:
 400-1000 mg praziquantel per 1.5-4.5 g vaginal vehicle;   800-1500 mg praziquantel per 3-7 g vaginal vehicle;   100-500 mg praziquantel per 1.5-4.5 g vaginal vehicle; and   800-1500 mg praziquantel per 15-25 ml normal saline uterine vehicle.   
     
     
         8 . The unit dosage form of praziquantel of  claim 7  wherein the unit dosage form comprises a vaginal vehicle, and the vaginal vehicle is selected from the group consisting of a cream, film, gel, or foam. 
     
     
         9 . A kit for locally treating female genital tissue infected with schistosomes, comprising:
 a vaginal applicator; and   praziquantel.   
     
     
         10 . The kit of  claim 9  further comprising a water soluble vehicle. 
     
     
         11 . The kit of  claim 10  wherein the vaginal vehicle is a cream, film, gel, or foam. 
     
     
         12 . The kit of  claim 10  wherein the praziquantel and the water soluble vehicle are premixed. 
     
     
         13 . The kit of  claim 10  wherein the praziquantel and the water soluble vehicle are preloaded in the vaginal applicator. 
     
     
         14 . The kit of  claim 10  further comprising a mixing vessel or mixing tool for mixing the praziquantel and the water soluble vehicle. 
     
     
         15 . The kit of  claim 9  wherein the praziquantel is preloaded in the vaginal applicator. 
     
     
         16 . A kit for locally treating uterine tissue infected with schistosomes, comprising:
 an intrauterine catheter;   normal saline; and   praziquantel.   
     
     
         17 . The kit of  claim 16  wherein the praziquantel and the normal saline are premixed. 
     
     
         18 . The kit of  claim 17  wherein the praziquantel and the normal saline are preloaded in the vaginal applicator. 
     
     
         19 . The kit of  claim 16  further comprising a mixing vessel or mixing tool for mixing the praziquantel and the normal saline.