catheter lock solution comprising citrate and a paraben

Abstract

This invention relates to compositions, methods, devices and kits relating to the infusion of a catheter lock solution into an indwelling catheter. Inventive compositions, methods, devices and kits aid in diminishing the effects of microbial infection in catheters and occlusion of the catheters. A lock solution provided by the invention includes citrate and a paraben. The solution preferably has a density suitable for retention of the solution in a catheter during the lock period. Another lock solution provided by the invention includes citrate, a paraben and a photo-oxidant, such as, for example, methylene blue.

1 .- 39 . (canceled) 
     
     
         40 . An aqueous composition comprising citrate and a paraben dispersed or dissolved therein. 
     
     
         41 . The aqueous composition of  claim 40 , wherein the paraben is methyl paraben, propyl paraben, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         42 . The aqueous composition of  claim 40 , wherein the composition comprises about 0.005 to about 0.5 percent (g/100 ml) methyl paraben. 
     
     
         43 . The aqueous composition of  claim 40 , wherein the composition comprises about 0.005 to about 0.5 percent (g/100 ml) propyl paraben. 
     
     
         44 . The aqueous composition of  claim 40 , wherein the composition comprises about 0.05 to about 0.5 percent (g/100 ml) methyl paraben, and about 0.005 to about 0.5 percent (g/100 ml) propyl paraben. 
     
     
         45 . The aqueous composition of  claim 40 , wherein the concentration of citrate in the solution is at least as high as the calcium concentration in a patient's blood. 
     
     
         46 . The aqueous composition of  claim 40 , wherein the concentration of citrate in the solution is from about 1.5 to about 47% by weight. 
     
     
         47 . The aqueous composition of  claim 40 , wherein the citrate has a concentration of from about 1.5 to about 15% by weight, and the paraben has a concentration of from about 0.005 to about 0.6% percent (g/100 ml). 
     
     
         48 . The aqueous composition of  claim 40 , wherein the citrate is trisodium citrate dihydrate. 
     
     
         49 . The aqueous composition of  claim 40 , wherein the pH of the solution is from about 4 to about 8. 
     
     
         50 . The aqueous composition of  claim 40 , wherein the relative density of the solution is from about 1.000 to about 1.300 g/ml. 
     
     
         51 . The aqueous composition of  claim 40 , wherein the solution further comprises a viscosifying agent. 
     
     
         52 . The solution of claim  1 , further comprising alcohol. 
     
     
         53 . The solution of  claim 40 , wherein the paraben has a concentration of about 0.1 percent to about 0.3 percent. 
     
     
         54 . The aqueous composition of  claim 40  comprising about 0.01-1 M citrate, and about 0.005-0.6 percent (g/100 ml) paraben dispersed or dissolved therein. 
     
     
         55 . The solution of  claim 54 , wherein the paraben has a concentration of about 0.1% to about 0.3% by weight. 
     
     
         56 . A method of locking a catheter comprising introducing an aqueous composition of  claim 40  into a lumen of the catheter.