Method and apparatus for dispensing a composition

Abstract

A pharmaceutical dispenser including a tube having an open end and a space filled with a composition, and an applicator including a first end removably coupled to the open end of the tube and a longitudinal portion with at least one aperture is described. The dispenser can also include a removable cover extending longitudinally and having a bore surrounding the longitudinal portion of the applicator. The composition may be an anal medication. A single dosage unit of the composition is usually contained in the tube, and the tube, applicator, and cover are disposable after use. Methods of using the dispenser include squeezing the tube, allowing the composition to exit the aperture of the applicator, and applying the composition to a target area.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A pharmaceutical dispenser comprising: 
 a tube including an open end and defining a space filled with a single dosage unit of a composition;    an applicator including a first end removably coupled to the open end of the tube and a longitudinal portion defining at least one aperture; and    a removable cover extending longitudinally and defining a bore surrounding the longitudinal portion of the applicator.    
     
     
         2 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is an anal medication.  
     
     
         3 . The dispenser of  claim 2 , wherein the composition includes lidocaine and hydrocortisone acetate.  
     
     
         4 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , further comprising a threaded cap configured to be screwed onto the open end of the tube.  
     
     
         5 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the applicator is configured to be removable from the tube.  
     
     
         6 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the tube is configured to be squeezable so that the composition is dispensed through the aperture when the tube is squeezed.  
     
     
         7 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the aperture is located at a second end of the longitudinal portion.  
     
     
         8 . The dispenser of  claim 7 , wherein the longitudinal portion defines a plurality of apertures, the composition being dispensed through the aperture and the plurality of apertures.  
     
     
         9 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the tube and applicator are disposable after use.  
     
     
         10 . A kit for application of anal medication, the kit comprising: 
 a tube including an open end and defining a space filled with a single dosage unit of a composition;    an applicator including a first end configured to mate with the open end of the tube and a longitudinal portion defining at least one aperture; and    a sealed package defining an interior sized to accommodate the tube and the applicator.    
     
     
         11 . The kit of  claim 10 , further comprising a removable cover extending longitudinally and defining a bore sized to receive the longitudinal portion of the applicator.  
     
     
         12 . The kit of  claim 10 , wherein the package is a blister pack.  
     
     
         13 . The kit of  claim 12 , wherein the blister pack comprises a child resistant seal.  
     
     
         14 . The kit of  claim 10 , wherein the composition is an anal medication.  
     
     
         15 . The kit of  claim 14 , wherein the composition includes lidocaine and hydrocortisone acetate.  
     
     
         16 . The kit of  claim 10 , wherein the package, tube, and applicator are disposable after use.  
     
     
         17 . A method for dispensing a pharmaceutical, comprising: 
 providing a tube including an open end and defining a space filled with a composition;    removing a cap from the open end of the tube;    mating a first end of an applicator with the open end of the tube; and    dispensing the composition through an aperture defined by a longitudinal portion of the applicator onto a target area.    
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising selecting the composition from a group of anal medications.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the composition includes lidocaine and hydrocortisone acetate.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising filling the tube with a single dosage unit of the composition.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising discarding the tube and applicator after use.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising removing a cover from the longitudinal portion of the applicator prior to dispensing the composition.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the step of dispensing comprises squeezing the tube to dispense the composition.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the mating step comprises screwing the first end of the applicator onto the open end of the tube.