Method of reducing contact lens intolerance with non-drying antihistamines

Abstract

A method and preparation for reducing dry eye symptoms and promoting tear secretion in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method is useful in treating dry eye diseases. The method is also useful in reducing contact lens intolerance in the eyes. The method comprises administering to the eyes of a subject in need thereof a non-drying antihistamine compound, such as epinastine hydrochloride, in an amount effective to reduce dry eye symptoms and stimulate tear fluid secretion. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the compound include topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or a continuous or selective release device; or systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form, injectable, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of reducing contact lens intolerance, comprising the steps:
 identifying a subject suffering from contact lens intolerance, and   administering to the eyes of said subject an effective amount of a compound 3-amino-9,13b-dihydro-1H-dibenz(c,f) imidazo (1,5-a)azepine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said pharmaceutically acceptable salt is hydrochloride. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said contact lens intolerance is due to dryness in the eyes. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said method increases tear production. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said method increases total contact lens wearing time per day in the subject. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said method increases comfortable contact lens wearing time per day in the subject. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said administration is topical administration of said compound to the ocular surface of the eyes. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein said compound is administered in a topical solution at a concentration of 0.01-0.2% (w/v). 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein said concentration is 0.01-0.1% (w/v). 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein said concentration is about 0.05% (w/v). 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein said topical administration is administration of said compound via a carrier vehicle selected from the group consisting of drops of liquid, liquid wash, gels, ointments, sprays, liposomes, emulsions and suspensions. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said contact lens is soft contact lens. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said subject suffers allergic conjunctivitis. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein said allergic conjunctivitis is seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.