Method and Composition for Potentiating the Antipyretic Action of a Nonopiod Analgesic

Abstract

A composition and method of treating fever, and optionally treating pain, is disclosed. The composition and method utilize a nonopioid analgesic and an endothelin antagonist as active agents to treat fever in mammals, including humans. The composition also is useful in the prevention and treatment of stroke and other cardiovascular disorders, like myocardial infarction.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 390,045, filed Jun. 19, 2002.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to the treatment of fever using a nonopioid analgesic and an endothelin antagonist. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of potentiating the antipyretic action of a nonopioid analgesic, like acetaminophen, in a mammal by administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an endothelin antagonist. The composition and method potentiate the antipyretic action of the nonopioid analgesic, without adversely effecting the analgesic action of the nonopioid analgesic.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Fever is one of the most common conditions requiring an individual to seek medical attention. In addition to treating the cause of the fever, medical personnel treat, i.e., reduce, the fever itself using analgesics, antipyretics, and / or physical cooling...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The present invention is directed to administration of an endothelin antagonist in combination with a nonopioid analgesic to potentiate the antipyretic action of the nonopioid analgesic without adversely affecting the analgesic properties of the analgesic. In addition, administration of a nonopioid analgesic in combination with an endothelin antagonist significantly potentiates the antipyretic action of the nonopioid analgesic at a dose of analgesic used to provide a pain-reducing effect. The significant reduction in fever provided by the composition and method of the present invention reduces or eliminates various adverse effects associated with fever.

[0009]Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a composition comprising a nonopioid analgesic, e.g., acetaminophen, and an endothelin antagonist that provides an enhanced antipyretic action and also treats pain. A present composition provides an improved antipyretic action without adversely affecting the analgesic properties of the nonopioid analgesic.

[0011]An important aspect of the present invention, therefore, is to provide a method and composition for reducing fever, while maintaining the analgesic effect associated with a nonopioid analgesic.

Problems solved by technology

Acetaminophen is an antipyretic and analgesic, but it lacks the antiinflammatory and anticoagulatory properties of other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

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