Compositions and methods for treatment of disorders or conditions of the eye

Abstract

The invention provides compositions comprising low concentrations of selective α-2 adrenergic receptor agonists in combination with potassium and/or calcium. Methods for treating eye disorders and conditions are also provided. The compositions preferably comprise brimonidine.

1 . A composition for use in treatment of eye disorders and conditions, wherein said composition comprises a selective α-2 adrenergic receptor agonist having a binding affinity of 100 fold or greater for α-2 over α-1 adrenergic receptors, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said α-2 adrenergic receptor agonist is present at a concentration from between about 0.001% to about 0.05% weight by volume of the composition, and wherein said composition comprises potassium and/or calcium. 
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said potassium is in the form of potassium chloride, wherein said potassium chloride is present at a concentration of about 10 mM to about 50 mM, wherein said calcium is in the form of calcium chloride, and wherein said calcium chloride is present at a concentration of about 0.05 mM to about 2 mM. 
     
     
         3 . A composition for use in treatment of eye disorders and conditions, wherein said composition comprises between about 0.001% to about 0.05% weight by volume of brimonidine, between about 0.2% to about 0.3% weight by volume of boric acid, between about 10 mM to about 70 mM of potassium chloride, between about 0.05 mM and about 2 mM of calcium chloride, wherein pH of said composition is between about 5.5 and about 7.5, and wherein osmolality of said composition is between about 250 mOsm/kg and about 300 mOsm/kg. 
     
     
         4 . A method of treating eye disorders or conditions comprising administering to an eye of a patient in need thereof an effective amount of the composition of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         5 . A method of enhancing vasoconstricting activity of a selective α-2 adrenergic receptor agonist comprising adding potassium and/or calcium to a pharmaceutical composition which comprises said selective α-2 adrenergic receptor agonist.