Drug – bio-affecting and body treating compositions – Preparations characterized by special physical form – Tablets – lozenges – or pills
Reexamination Certificate
2001-12-05
2004-12-07
Page, Thurman K. (Department: 1615)
Drug, bio-affecting and body treating compositions
Preparations characterized by special physical form
Tablets, lozenges, or pills
C424S464000, C424S465000, C424S468000, C424S474000, C424S489000, C424S490000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06827946
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to compositions comprising both a sedative and a non-sedative antihistamine. More particularly the invention relates to compositions containing the sedating antihistamine in immediate release form and the non-sedating antihistamine in delayed-release form or containing the non-sedating antihistamine in immediate release form and the sedating antihistamine in delayed-release form. The invention further relates to methods of inhibiting the release of histamines by administration of the compositions to a mammalian subject.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hypersensitivity is an immune response after exposure to an antigen. Hypersensitivity usually causes tissue damage. Typical hypersensitivity reactions are allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, urticaria, pruritus, sinusitis, angioedema, and anaphylaxis. Antihistamines, normally classified as H
1
receptor antagonists, are used for the prophylaxis and relief of symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions.
The term “antihistamine” is generally applied to Histamine H
1
receptor antagonists. There are two types of antihistamines: the older antihistamines (first generation antihistamines), are associated with troublesome sedative and anti-muscarinic effects and are often called sedating antihistamines. These older antihistamines are distinguished from the newer (second generation) antihistamines which are designated as non-sedating antihistamines.
The older antihistamines are associated with a sedative effect. These antihistamines are often termed “first generation antihistamines” or “sedating antihistamines.” The “second generation antihistamines” which are essentially devoid of the sedative effect, are usually termed “non-sedating antihistamines.” Both groups of antihistamines are commonly used. Many sedating antihistamines are widely used and are available from the OTC market. Typical first generation antihistamines include brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine, dexbrompheniramine, dexchlorpheniramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, diphenhydramine, pyrilamine, tripelennamine, tripolidine, methdilazine, bromodiphenhydramine, promethazine, azatadine, cyproheptadine, diphenylpyraline, doxylamine, trimeprazine, phenindamine, and hydroxyzine. Compounds of the second generation antihistamines are fexofenadine, loratadine, descarboethoxyloratadine, norastemizole, desmethylastemizole, cetirizine, acrivastine, ketotifen, temelastine, ebastine, epinastine, mizolastine, and setastine. Cetirizine, in spite of being a second generation antihistamine, has a low to moderate sedative effect.
The sedative effect of the sedating antihistamines can range from slight drowsiness to deep sleep. Daytime sedation can be a problem especially for those who drive or who operate machinery. In view of these problems with sedative antihistamines, non-sedative antihistamines have been developed. This group of compounds has little or no sedative effect and has replaced the first generation antihistamines especially for daytime use. The major disadvantage of the non-sedating antihistamines is the occurrence of drug interactions and hazardous ventricular arrhythmias which has led to the withdrawal of two non-sedating antihistamines from the market.
Although the non-sedating antihistamines have been used widely for daytime control of allergy, the sedative effect of sedating antihistamines may be preferred by patients who suffer from insomnia or by patients who need a good nighttime rest. It may be especially advantageous to administer a sedating antihistamine in combination with a decongestant such as phenylephrine since decongestants such as phenylephrine often stimulate nervousness and anxiety in a patient. Thus distinct advantages can be found for each of the “first generation antihistamines” and “second generation antihistamines.”
There are a number of references which disclose the combination of an antihistamine with a decongestant. U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,697 to Kwan et al discloses compositions that contain the non-sedating antihistamine loratadine and the decongestant pseudoephedrine. Such compositions include the loratadine in a film coating for immediate release and pseudoephedrine in a core surrounded by the film coating so that the pseudoephedrine is released over an extended period. There is no mention in this reference of a composition that contains both a sedating antihistamine and a non-sedating antihistamine.
The most common side effects of the sedating antihistamine is CNS depression with effects varying from slight drowsiness to deep sleep. The sedating antihistamines can also cause dizziness and a lack of coordination. These sedative properties of the first generation antihistamines interfere with the normal functioning of patients suffering with allergic manifestations. These patients have to be alert and remain ambulatory throughout the day. Therefore the use of first generation antihistamines in spite of their unique and useful antihistaminic properties has been limited.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,114,346 to Harris et al discloses compositions containing the non-sedating antihistamine desloratadine and which may further contain a decongestant including phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine. Such compositions are administered to patients afflicted with upper airway passage allergic inflammation to treat or prevent sleep disorder. Often the upper airway passage allergic inflammation is associated with allergic rhinitis. There is no mention or suggestion in this reference to prepare compositions containing both a sedating antihistamine and a non-sedating antihistamine or to use such a composition to inhibit the release of histamine all through the day and night.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,585 to Weinstein et al discloses compositions administered once a day in a single oral dosage containing a decongestant and an antihistamine including a non-sedating antihistamine such as loratadine or fexofenadine. There is no suggestion in this reference to prepare a composition that includes both a sedating antihistamine and a non-sedating antihistamine. Nor is there any suggestion to prepare a composition containing one of the sedating and non-sedating antihistamines in immediate release form and the other in delayed release form.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,914 to Weinstein et al discloses antihistamine compositions that contain a non-sedating antihistamine as well as a specific anticholinergic agent. Preferred examples of such a specific anticholinergic agent include belladona extracts such as atropine and scopolamine. The invention claimed in this patent is for “an essentially non-sedating oral formulation containing both an antihistamine limited in sedating and anticholinergic properties and a specific anticholinergic agent.
None of the anticholinergic agents disclosed in this reference in combination with a non-sedating antihistamine is itself a sedating antihistamine. These agents are not also sedating antihistamines. The compositions in the patent are disclosed as “essentially non-sedating.” Such is not the case with the compositions according to the present invention which are sedating compositions at certain times following administration of the medication to the patient.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,648,358 to Mitra discloses antihistamine compositions that may contain a mixture of one or more sedating antihistamines including clemastine fumarate as well as an additional sedating antihistamine and a non-sedating antihistamine such as loratidine. The compositions also contain caffeine and including caffeine in the present compositions would be contrary to the purpose of the present invention where a sedating antihistamine is to be released at a certain time. In the reference there is no disclosure of the delayed release of either the sedating antihistamine or the non-sedating antihistamine according to the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,852 to Russell broadly discloses coated pharmaceutical compositions that may include mixtures of active ingredients including sedating and non-sedating antihistamines. Once again there is
Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Pabst Patent Group LLP
Page Thurman K.
Sheikh Humera N.
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