Sodium channel blocker compositions and the use thereof

Abstract

Methods of treating or preventing chronic pain or convulsion are disclosed by administering to an animal a sodium channel blocker and at least one of gabapentin and pregabalin. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and kits for the treatment or prevention of chronic pain or convulsion.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A pharmaceutical composition, comprising a first agent which is a sodium channel blocker, and a second agent selected from the group consisting of gabapentin, pregabalin, salts thereof and combinations thereof; wherein the total amount of said first agent and said second agent is effective to treat, prevent or ameliorate chronic pain or convulsions.  
     
     
         2 . A pharmaceutical composition, comprising at least one sodium channel blocker and at least one of gabapentin or pregabalin, wherein said sodium channel blocker and at least one of gabapentin or pregabalin are present in amounts effective to treat or prevent chronic pain or convulsions.  
     
     
         3 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 1 , wherein said composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.  
     
     
         4 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 1 , wherein said second agent is gabapentin.  
     
     
         5 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 1 , wherein said second agent is pregabalin.  
     
     
         6 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 1 , wherein said first agent is carbamazepine.  
     
     
         7 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 1 , wherein said first agent is lamotrigine.  
     
     
         8 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 1 , wherein said first agent is 4-(4′-fluorophenoxy)benzaldehyde semicarbazone.  
     
     
         9 . A method of treating, preventing or ameliorating chronic pain or convulsions, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a first agent which is a sodium channel blocker, and a second agent selected from the group consisting of gabapentin, pregabalin, salts thereof and combinations thereof; wherein the total amount of said first agent and said second agent is effective to treat, prevent or ameliorate chronic pain or convulsions.  
     
     
         10 . A method of treating, preventing or ameliorating chronic pain or convulsions, comprising administering substantially simultaneously to a patient in need thereof a sodium channel blocker and at least one of gabapentin and pregabalin, wherein said sodium channel blocker and at least one of gabapentin and pregabalin are administered in amounts effective to treat or prevent chronic pain or convulsions.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said method is treating, preventing or ameliorating chronic pain.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said chronic pain is due to trigeminal neuralgia.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said chronic pain is due to diabetic neuropathy.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said chronic pain is due to cancer pain.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said first agent and said second agent are administered separately.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said first agent and said second agent are administered as part of a single pharmaceutical composition.  
     
     
         17 . A kit for the treatment of chronic pain or convulsions comprising a carrier containing one or more containers one of which comprises a sodium channel blocker and another of which comprises at least one of gabapentin and pregabalin.