Novel formulation for use in pain management

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a novel topical pharmaceutical water-in-oil composition in form of a cream or lotion, comprising (i) 2-50% of a local anaesthetic in oil form in the final composition, or two or more local anaesthetics forming an oil when mixed together, effective to produce a topical anaesthetic effect upon administration; (ii) 2-50% of a water-in-oil emulsifier, effective to produce an emulsion of the desired viscosity; and (iii) 2-96% water. Optionally the composition may contain up to 20% of pharmaceutically acceptable stabilizers or penetration enhancers. This novel pharmaceutical composition is useful in therapy, in particularly for the treatment of pain.

Description

field of invention [0001] The present invention relates to novel water-in-oil topical pharmaceutical compositions, their use in therapy, especially as local anesthetic creams or lotions, and processes for the preparation of such pharmaceutical compositions. Background technique [0002] The viscosity of oil-in-water emulsions is so low that such compositions cannot be formulated as topical creams or lotions without the addition of a thickening agent. Therefore, in order to obtain a composition having a viscosity suitable for use as a topical cream or lotion, a thickener needs to be added to such an oil-in-water emulsion. However, the use of thickeners has the disadvantage that the release rate of the active substance is delayed, ie the time it takes for the active agent to take effect is prolonged. [0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a water-in-oil local anesthetic pharmaceutical composition in the form of a cream or lotion, having a suffi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, the disadvantage of the use of thickeners is that the release rate of the active substance is delayed, i.e. the time for the active agent to take effect is prolonged.