Compositions and methods for treating otic, ophthalmic and nasal infections

Abstract

Ophthalmic, otic and nasal compositions containing a new class of antibiotics (e.g., moxifloxacin) are disclosed. The compositions preferably also contain one or more anti-inflammatory agents. The compositions may be utilized to treat ophthalmic, otic and nasal conditions by topically applying the compositions to the affected tissues. The compositions and methods of the invention are particularly useful in the treatment of acute otitis externa infections attributable to one or both of two newly identified Microbacterium species, Microbacterium otitidis and Microbacterium alconae.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A topical pharmaceutical composition for treating acute otitis externa infections attributable to a Microbacterium species selected from the group consisting of  Microbacterium otitidis  and  Microbacterium alconae , comprising an antimicrobial effective amount of a quinolone antibiotic and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle therefor.  
     
     
         2 . A composition according to  claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises an effective amount of an antiinflammatory compound.  
     
     
         3 . A composition according to  claim 1 , wherein the quinolone antibiotic comprises a third generation quinolone.  
     
     
         4 . A composition according to  claim 3 , wherein the third generation quinolone comprises Moxifloxacin.  
     
     
         5 . A composition according to  claim 4 , wherein the composition further comprises an effective amount of an antiinflammatory compound.  
     
     
         6 . A composition according to  claim 5 , wherein the antiinflammatory compound comprises dexamethasone.  
     
     
         7 . A composition according to  claim 1 , wherein the quinolone antibiotic comprises Gatifloxacin.  
     
     
         8 . A method of treating acute otitis externa infections attributable to a Microbacterium species selected from the group consisting of  Microbacterium otitidis  and  Microbacterium alconae , which comprises instilling a therapeutically effective amount of the composition of  claim 1  in the affected ear.  
     
     
         9 . A topical pharmaceutical composition for treating otic, ophthalmic or nasal infections attributable to a Microbacterium species selected from the group consisting of  Microbacterium otitidis  and  Microbacterium alconae , comprising an antimicrobial effective amount of a quinolone antibiotic and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle therefor.  
     
     
         10 . A composition according to  claim 9 , wherein the composition further comprises an effective amount of an antiinflammatory compound.  
     
     
         11 . A composition according to  claim 9 , wherein the quinolone antibiotic comprises a third generation quinolone.  
     
     
         12 . A composition according to  claim 11 , wherein the third generation quinolone comprises Moxifloxacin.  
     
     
         13 . A composition according to  claim 12 , wherein the composition further comprises an effective amount of an antiinflammatory compound.  
     
     
         14 . A composition according to  claim 13 , wherein the antiinflammatory compound comprises dexamethasone.  
     
     
         15 . A composition according to  claim 9 , wherein the composition comprises Gatifloxacin.  
     
     
         16 . A method of treating acute otitis externa infections attributable to a Microbacterium species selected from the group consisting of  Microbacterium otitidis  and  Microbacterium alconae,  which comprises instilling a therapeutically effective amount of the composition of  claim 9  in the affected ear.