Antimicrobial compositions containing two or more antiviral agents coupled to a
polymer and methods of making and using the compositions, are described herein. In one embodiment, two or more antiviral agents are covalently coupled to the
polymer. Suitable antiviral agents include, but are not limited to,
sialic acid,
zanamivir,
oseltamivir,
amantadine,
rimantadine, and combinations thereof. The
polymer is preferably a water-soluble, biocompatible polymer. Suitable polymers include, but are not limited to, poly(
isobutylene-alt-
maleic anhydride) (PIBMA), poly(
aspartic acid), poly(l-
glutamic acid),
polylysine, poly(
acrylic acid), plyaginic acid,
chitosan,
carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl
dextran, polyethyleneimine, and blends and copolymers thereof. In another embodiment, the compositions contain a physical mixture of polymer containing one antiviral agent and polymer containing a second antiviral agent. The compositions can be formulated for enteral or parenteral administration. Suitable oral / intranasal dosage forms include, but are not limited to, tablets, capsules, solutions, suspensions, emulsions, syrups, and lozenges. Suitable dosage forms for parenteral administration include, but are not limited to, solutions, suspensions, and emulsions. The compositions described herein are effective at treating a variety of infections, including viral infections such as influenza, while inhibiting or preventing the development of
microbial resistance.