Compositions and methods of using (r)-pramipexole

Abstract

Pharmaceutical compositions of (R)-pramipexole and methods and kits of using such compositions for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, or those related to mitochondrial dysfunction or increased oxidative stress are disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A single dose composition comprising at least about 25 milligrams of (R)-pramipexole; less than about 1.5 milligrams of (S)-pramipexole and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         2 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising from about 25 milligrams to about 5,000 milligrams of (R)-pramipexole, said composition having therapeutic neuroprotective effects and a no adverse effect level attributable to either the (R)-pramipexole or any (S) pramipexole. 
     
     
         3 . A starting daily dose of (R)-pramipexole, comprising at least about 25 milligrams of (R)-pramipexole in a pharmaceutical composition. 
     
     
         4 . A method of treating an acute disease in a patient in need thereof, comprising administering to said patient a daily dose amount of about 25 milligrams to about 5,000 milligrams of (R)-pramipexole in a pharmaceutical composition. 
     
     
         5 . A method of treating a chronic disorder in a patient in need thereof comprising administering a daily dose of about 25 milligrams to about 5000 milligrams of (R)-pramipexole in a pharmaceutical composition. 
     
     
         6 . A tablet comprising from about 50 milligrams to about 500 milligrams of (R)-pramipexole and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         7 . A tablet comprising from about 100 milligrams to about 500 milligrams of (R)-pramipexole and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         8 . A tablet comprising from about 150 milligrams to about 500 milligrams of (R)-pramipexole and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         9 . A tablet comprising greater than about 168 milligrams and less than about 2000 milligrams of (R)-pramipexole and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         10 . A kit comprising:
 one or more pharmaceutical compositions comprising (R)-pramipexole; and   instructions for administering or prescribing said one or more pharmaceutical compositions comprising a direction to administer or prescribe said one or more pharmaceutical compositions in an amount sufficient to result in administration of a starting daily dose of at least about 50 milligrams to about 5,000 milligrams of (R)-pramipexole to a patient.   
     
     
         11 . A method of treating a neurodegenerative disease in a patient in need thereof comprising administering to said patient a starting dose of about 25 milligrams to about 5,000 milligrams of (R)-pramipexole in a pharmaceutical composition.