Pharmaceutical Compositions Including Low Dosages of Desmopressin

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising 0.5 ng to 20 μg desmopressin and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising desmopressin and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is effective to establish a steady plasma/serum desmopressin concentration in the range of from about 0.1 picograms desmopressin per mL plasma/serum to about 10.0 picogram desmopressin per mL plasma/serum. Articles of manufacture and methods of using the above invention are also disclosed.

1 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising desmopressin and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in a dosage form adapted for transmucosal administration which when administered to a patient establishes a plasma/serum desmopressin concentration in the range of from about 0.1 picograms desmopressin per mL plasma/serum to a maximum of about 10.0 picograms desmopressin per mL plasma/serum, decreases urine production, and reduces the risk that the patient develops hyponatremia. 
     
     
         2 . The dosage form of  claim 1  which establishes a plasma/serum desmopressin concentration of from about 0.5 picograms desmopressin per mL plasma/serum to about 5.0 picograms desmopressin per mL plasma/serum. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1  which establishes said plasma/serum desmopressin concentration range for a time between four and six hours. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1  adapted for oral mucosal administration. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1  adapted for nasal mucosal administration.