Compositions and Methods for Treatment of Glaucoma

Abstract

A new use for paracetamol in a method of treating glaucoma, which method comprises administering to a patient in need of such treatment 500 mg to 1000 mg of paracetamol in oral format 4 to 6 hourly. An ophthalmic solution is also provided containing between 0.1 to 5% of paracetamol which is administered as one to two drops in each eye 4 to 6 hourly. The ophthalmic solution further includes one or more of the following excipients: hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, benzalconium chloride, polyacrylic acid such as Teargel®.

1 . Paracetamol for use in a method of treating glaucoma, which method comprises administering to a patient in need of such treatment an effective amount of paracetamol. 
     
     
         2 . Paracetamol according to  claim 1  wherein the effective amount of paracetamol is between 500 mg and 1000 mg. 
     
     
         3 . Paracetamol according to either  claim 1  or  2  wherein the paracetamol is administered to the patient in an oral format. 
     
     
         4 . Paracetamol according to  claim 1  wherein the paracetamol is administered to the patient in the form of an ophthalmic solution. 
     
     
         5 . Paracetamol according to  claim 4  wherein the ophthalmic solution contains between 0.1 and 5% of paracetamol. 
     
     
         6 . Paracetamol according to either  claim 4  or  5  wherein the paracetamol is administered as one to two drops of the solution to each eye 4 to 6 hourly. 
     
     
         7 . An ophthalmic solution including as its active ingredient paracetamol. 
     
     
         8 . An ophthalmic solution according to  claim 7  wherein the paracetamol is present in the range of 0.1 to 5%. 
     
     
         9 . The use of paracetamol in the manufacture of a medicament for use in a method of treating glaucoma which method comprises administering to a patient in need of such treatment an effective amount of paracetamol. 
     
     
         10 . The use according to either  claim 9  wherein the paracetamol is administered to the patient in an oral format. 
     
     
         11 . The use according to  claim 10  wherein the paracetamol is administered to the patient in the form of an ophthalmic solution. 
     
     
         12 . The use according to  claim 11  wherein the ophthalmic solution contains between 0.1 and 5% of paracetamol. 
     
     
         13 . The use according to either  claim 12  wherein the paracetamol is administered as one to two drops of the solution to each eye 4 to 6 hourly. 
     
     
         14 . A method of treatment of glaucoma which includes administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of paracetamol. 
     
     
         15 . A method as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the paracetamol is administered orally. 
     
     
         16 . A method as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the paracetamol is administered ophthalmically. 
     
     
         17 . A package which includes at least one dose of paracetamol in an amount effective for the treatment of glaucoma and instructions for the use thereof in a treatment for glaucoma. 
     
     
         18 . A package as claimed in  claim 17  wherein the at least one dose of paracetamol is suitable for oral administration. 
     
     
         19 . A package as claimed in  claim 17  wherein the at least one dose of paracetamol is suitable for ophthalmic administration.