ACTIVATED CHARCOAL-BASED COMPOSITION USED IN THE TREATMENT OF DIGESTIVE DISORDERS IN ANIMALS

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition comprising activated charcoal for the treatment of a digestive disorder in an animal, characterized in that the composition is in a form suitable for oral administration using a syringe (1). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: COMPOSITION BASED ON ACTIVATED CARBON USED IN THE TREATMENT DIGESTIVE DISORDERS IN ANIMALS Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition based on activated carbon used in the treatment of digestive disorders, in particular oral poisoning, in animals. Technological background

[0002] In the field of treatment of digestive disorders in animals, in particular oral poisoning, it is known to use compositions administered orally, comprising an adsorbent agent whose role is to capture toxic substances by adsorption of the latter.

[0003] The compositions known and commonly used in the field are typically in the form of powder, granules, or suspension, generally contained in a large volume container such as a bucket.

[0004] In this regard, document US 3917821 describes a method for administering activated carbon to adsorb previously ingested toxic substances. The activated carbon in powder form is combined with a thickening, water-soluble polysaccharide. The composition to be administered is then in the form of a paste (“aqueous slurry” in English).

[0005] Packaging the compositions in powder or granule form in large volume containers is suitable for livestock, such as calves, lambs, horses, or ponies, but is not suitable for treating pets such as dogs and cats. Indeed, the treatment of pets requires only small volumes of composition, and the number of treatment iterations generally remains limited.

[0006] Liquid suspensions can be packaged in bottles. A syringe is used to withdraw the suspension from the bottle and administer it to the animal, most often orally.

[0007] However, collecting the suspension using a syringe for each animal to be treated can be tedious and time-consuming, especially when the number of animals to be treated is large. The same applies to collecting powders and granules using a dosing scoop.

[0008] This preparation step takes a significant amount of time, which can prove critical in the case of an emergency situation where it is necessary to administer the composition to the animal as quickly as possible to avoid complications.

[0009] Furthermore, the bottles containing the compositions are generally supplied without a syringe, so that the user must also obtain syringes, which must also be suitable for administering this type of composition. Description of the invention

[0010] An aim of the invention is to propose a composition making it possible to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above.

[0011] The invention aims in particular to provide such a composition comprising an adsorbent agent capable of adsorbing toxic substances present in the digestive system of an animal, in the context of a treatment of a digestive disorder, in particular oral poisoning, in an animal.

[0012] The invention aims in particular to provide such a composition, making it possible to dispense with the steps of preparing and packaging the composition, in particular the fact of having to take the composition from a container using a syringe and having to precisely measure the quantity to be administered. This then makes it possible to save time and avoid incidents which may occur during these steps of preparing and packaging the composition.

[0013] To this end, the invention provides a composition comprising activated charcoal for the treatment of a digestive disorder in an animal, mainly characterized in that the composition is in a form suitable for oral administration using a syringe.

[0014] Preferably, the digestive disorder to be treated by the composition is oral intoxication.

[0015] Oral poisoning includes, for example, drug poisoning, food poisoning, poisoning by ingestion of plants, rat poison, or even nicotine via a cigarette or chewing gum, for example.

[0016] The invention also relates to a composition packaged in a ready-to-use syringe, said composition comprising activated carbon.

[0017] The composition is packaged in a syringe which is said to be "ready to use", in that the syringe is pre-filled with the composition. The user can then directly administer the composition contained in the syringe to the animal orally, without having to prepare the composition or withdraw the composition from a container separate from the syringe. This reduces the handling required for treatment, making the latter simpler, safer, and faster. It is therefore understood that the term “ready to use” applies to the syringe containing the composition to be administered.

[0018] The animals concerned are preferably pets such as dogs and cats for example.

[0019] The quantity of composition contained in the syringe as well as the concentrations of the different constituents are adjusted according to the type of animal to be treated, and possibly other parameters such as the duration of the treatment or the severity of the oral poisoning.

[0020] The syringe typically comprises a cylindrical reservoir containing the composition, and a plunger rod capable of sliding longitudinally in the reservoir to administer the composition.

[0021] The syringe does not have an injection needle, which is unnecessary since administration is carried out orally and not parenterally. Furthermore, such a needle could represent a risk of injury for both the animal and the user. A syringe will therefore be preferred in which the distal part of the reservoir comprises a tubular tip in communication with said reservoir allowing the composition to be conveyed out of the reservoir.

[0022] In the present text, the distal end of the syringe corresponds to the end furthest from the user's hand (end of the tubular tip), and the proximal end corresponds to the end closest to the user's hand (end opposite the tubular tip). Thus, the distal direction is the direction of administration of the composition, and the proximal direction is the opposite direction, i.e. the direction towards the user's hand.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, illustrated in [Fig.l], the syringe 1 comprises: - a reservoir 2 containing the composition, - a tubular tip 3 arranged at a distal end 4 of the reservoir and in communication with said reservoir, - a piston rod 5 capable of sliding in the reservoir 2 in the distal direction in order to expel the composition from the reservoir via the tubular tip 3, said piston rod 5 comprising a graduation 6 of the volume of composition to be administered and an alternation of teeth 7 and notches 8, - an adjustment ring 9, capable of moving by translation-rotation along the piston rod 5, in order to define a volume of composition to be administered in correspondence with the graduation.

[0024] The syringe 1 may further comprise a stopper 10 capable of covering the tubular tip 3, in order to prevent any untimely spillage of the composition out of the syringe via said tubular tip, during storage of the syringe. The stopper 10 advantageously allows repeated use of the syringe, i.e. several administrations of fractions of the composition spaced over time (multi-dose use).

[0025] The syringe is pre-filled, and the adjustment ring allows, by screwing / unscrewing in a helical movement, to adjust the volume of composition to be administered. This may be the total volume of composition contained in the syringe, in which case the ring will be positioned at the proximal end of the piston rod in correspondence with the highest graduation, or only a part of the total volume of composition, in which case the ring will be positioned at an intermediate graduation.

[0026] The syringe can be single-use (single-dose), or reusable (multi-dose).

[0027] Activated carbon is an antitoxic adsorbent agent for fixing substances toxic substances from the animal's digestive system by adsorption, and thus prevents their passage into the systemic system.

[0028] Preferably, the composition comprises from 20% to 60% by weight of activated carbon, relative to the total weight of the composition. This range of concentration of activated carbon makes it possible to obtain a good antitoxic effect, while making the composition compatible with its administration in a syringe by oral route.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the composition comprises: from 20% to 60% by weight of activated carbon, from 10% to 34% by weight of glycerin, from 0.10% to 1.25% by weight of xanthan gum, from 25% to 70% by weight of water.

[0030] The concentrations, in mass percentages, are expressed relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0031] Glycerin (or glycerol) and xanthan gum have a thickening and suspending power. Their suspending power allows the composition to take the form of a suspension (liquid) or a paste, depending on the concentration of glycerin and xanthan gum, as well as the nature and mass concentrations of the other constituents of the composition, in which the activated carbon (initially in the form of a powder), glycerin, and xanthan gum are in the form of fine particles dispersed in the aqueous phase. The stability of this suspension or paste is very little affected by temperature, and the suspension or paste is perfectly stable at the body temperature of the animal, which is generally between 38°C and 39°C, or even a few degrees higher in the case of fever.

[0032] The thickening power of glycerin and xanthan gum makes it possible to adjust the viscosity of the composition to a desired value, to make it compatible with oral administration via a syringe. Furthermore, unlike most natural gums, xanthan gum is stable in an acidic environment, thus ensuring the stability of the composition in the presence of gastric juices in the animal's stomach.

[0033] The Applicant has discovered that the mass concentration ranges of 20% to 60% of activated carbon, 10% to 34% of glycerin, 0.10% to 1.25% of xanthan gum, and 25% to 70% of water, advantageously make it possible to obtain a treatment that is sufficiently rapid and effective for the activated carbon to be able to fix the toxic substances, and compatible with packaging of the composition in a syringe for oral administration, in particular because the viscosity of the composition is sufficiently low not to hinder its administration via the syringe.

[0034] The viscosity of the composition depends on the form used, which can be liquid or pasty. This point will be explained in more detail later in this text.

[0035] Viscosity can be measured for example according to the method described according to the European Pharmacopoeia, in particular in the document “European Pharmacopeia 10.0”, parts 2.2.8. Viscosity and 2.2.9. Capillary Viscosimeter Method.

[0036] Viscosity corresponds to dynamic viscosity, usually denoted q. The viscosity is determined with a suspended level capillary viscometer (Ubbelohde type) at a temperature of 20.0°C ± 0.1°C. The time required for the liquid level to pass from one mark to the other is measured.

[0037] Still according to this embodiment, the composition is preferably constituted or essentially constituted of activated carbon, glycerin, xanthan gum, and water. In this case, the sum of the mass percentages of activated carbon, glycerin, xanthan gum, and water is equal to or approximately equal to 100%.

[0038] Generally, and preferably, the composition does not comprise any adsorbent agent other than activated carbon.

[0039] The composition according to the invention can be in the form of a liquid or a paste, depending on the mass concentrations of activated carbon, glycerin, xanthan gum, and water.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the composition is in liquid form, and comprises, relative to the total weight of the composition: - from 20% to 60% by weight of activated carbon, preferably from 20% to 35% by weight, - from 10% to 34% by weight of glycerin, preferably from 15% to 25% by weight, - from 0.10% to 0.50% by weight of xanthan gum, preferably 0.15% at 0.20% by weight, - from 25% to 70% by weight of water.

[0041] These narrow concentration ranges make it possible to obtain a liquid composition whose stability over time is optimal, while retaining a viscosity suitable for oral administration via a syringe.

[0042] The viscosity of the liquid composition, measured at a temperature of 20°C, is preferably between 500 mPa.s and 1500 mPa.s, preferably between 800 mPa.s and 1200 mPa.s, and more preferably between 900 mPa.s and 1000 mPa.s.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the composition is in the form of a paste, and comprises, relative to the total weight of the composition: - from 20% to 60% by weight of activated carbon, preferably from 20% to 35% by weight, - from 10% to 34% by weight of glycerin, preferably from 15% to 25% by weight, - from 0.50% to 1% by weight of xanthan gum, preferably from 0.60% to 0.90% by weight, and more preferably from 0.70% to 0.80% by weight, - from 25% to 70% by weight of water.

[0044] As mentioned above, glycerin and xanthan gum have a thickening and suspending power allowing the composition to take the form of a suspension (liquid) or a paste, depending on their concentration, as well as the nature and mass concentrations of the other constituents of the composition. This means that two compositions may, for example, comprise an identical concentration of xanthan gum, the concentration of the other constituents, in particular glycerin, determining their liquid or pasty character.

[0045] These narrow concentration ranges make it possible to obtain a pasty composition whose stability over time is optimal, while retaining a viscosity suitable for oral administration via a syringe.

[0046] The viscosity of the pasty composition, measured at a temperature of 20°C, is preferably between 5000 mPa.s and 20000 mPa.s, preferably between 10000 mPa.s and 15000 mPa.s, and more preferably between 11000 mPa.s and 13000 mPa.s.

[0047] The term "paste", relating to the composition of the invention, corresponds to a viscous mixture having a viscosity as described above. This definition also encompasses a gel which corresponds to a solid network within a fluid.

[0048] Furthermore, the composition advantageously comprises at least one antimicrobial preservative. The antimicrobial preservative is preferably chosen from: potassium sorbate, quaternary ammonium (benzalkonium chloride (acronym CB K) or cetrimide for example), alcoholic derivative (benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, bronopol, or phenol for example), acid derivative (benzoic acid, sorbic acid, sodium benzoate for example), chlorhexidine, paraben, mercurial, and mixtures thereof.

[0049] Preferably, the composition comprises potassium sorbate as an antimicrobial preservative in an amount ranging from 0.5% to 2% by weight, preferably from 0.5% to 1.5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0050] Preferably, the composition consists or essentially consists of activated carbon, glycerin, xanthan gum, potassium sorbate, and water. The sum of the mass percentages of the constituents is then equal to 100%.

[0051] The composition advantageously comprises at least one antioxidant preservative. The antioxidant preservative is preferably chosen from: sodium bisulfite, sodium benzoate, EDTA, and mixtures thereof.

[0052] The composition advantageously has an adsorbent power greater than or equal to 8%, i.e. 8 g / 100 g. The composition in liquid form preferably has an adsorbent power greater than or equal to 8% when the concentration of activated carbon is at least 20% by weight. The composition in pasty form preferably has an adsorbent power greater than or equal to 12% when the concentration of activated carbon is at least 30% by weight.

[0053] The adsorbent power is determined by measuring the phenazone index of a mixture comprising said composition and phenazone, the amount of phenazone adsorbed being calculated with the following formula (1):

[0054] [Math.l] Q = 2.353 *(V;j - V) / m (1)

[0055] in which, • Q is the quantity of phenazone adsorbed in grams per 100g of composition, • m is the mass of the test sample in grams, • Vb is the volume in ml of 0.0167M potassium bromate added to the blank test, • V is the volume in ml of 0.0167M potassium bromate added to the test. Description of figures

[0056] [Fig. 1] illustrates a preferred and non-limiting embodiment of a ready-to-use syringe. the use for administering an activated carbon-based composition, according to the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Composition packaged in a ready-to-use syringe (1), said composition being characterized in that it comprises, relative to the total weight of the composition: - from 20% to 60% by weight of activated carbon, - from 10% to 34% by weight of glycerin, - from 0.10% to 1.25% by weight of xanthan gum, - from 25% to 70% by weight of water.

2. Composition packaged in a ready-to-use syringe (1) according to claim 1, said composition being characterized in that it is in the form of a liquid, and comprises, relative to the total weight of the composition: - from 20% to 60% by weight of activated carbon, preferably from 20% to 35% by weight, - from 10% to 34% by weight of glycerin, preferably from 15% to 25% by weight, - from 0.10% to 0.50% by weight of xanthan gum, preferably from 0.15% to 0.20% by weight, - from 25% to 70% by weight of water.

3. Composition packaged in a ready-to-use syringe (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, said composition being characterized in that it is in the form of a liquid, and has a viscosity at 20°C of between 500 mPa.s and 1500 mPa.s, preferably between 800 mPa.s and 1200 mPa.s, and more preferably between 900 mPa.s and 1000 mPa.s.

4. Composition packaged in a ready-to-use syringe (1) according to claim 1, said composition being characterized in that it is in the form of a paste, and comprises, relative to the total weight of the composition: - from 20% to 60% by weight of activated carbon, preferably from 20% to 35% by weight, - from 10% to 34% by weight of glycerin, preferably from 15% to 25% by weight, - from 0.50% to 1% by weight of xanthan gum, preferably from 0.60% to 0.90% by weight, and more preferably from 0.70% to 0.80% by weight, - from 25% to 70% by weight of water.

5. Composition packaged in a ready-to-use syringe (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 4, said composition being characterized in that it is in the form of a paste, and has a viscosity at 20°C of between 5000 mPa.s and 20000 mPa.s, preferably between 10000 mPa.s and 15000 mPa.s, and more preferably between 11000 mPa.s and 13000 mPa.s.

6. Composition packaged in a ready-to-use syringe (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, said composition being characterized in that it further comprises potassium sorbate as an antimicrobial preservative in an amount ranging from 0.5% to 2% by weight, preferably from 0.5% to 1.5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

7. Composition packaged in a ready-to-use syringe (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, said composition being characterized in that the syringe (1) comprises: - a reservoir (2) containing the composition, - a tubular tip (3) arranged at a distal end (4) of the reservoir and in communication with said reservoir, - a piston rod (5) capable of sliding in the reservoir (2) in the distal direction in order to expel the composition from the reservoir via the tubular tip (3), said piston rod (5) comprising a graduation (6) of the volume of composition to be administered and an alternation of teeth (7) and notches (8), - an adjustment ring (9), capable of moving by translation-rotation along the piston rod (5), in order to define a volume of composition to be administered in correspondence with the graduation.

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