Non-abusable pharmaceutical composition comprising opioids

Abstract

There is provided pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of pain comprising a pharmacologically-effective amount of an opioid analgesic, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, presented in particulate form upon the surfaces of carrier particles comprising a pharmacologically-effective amount of an opioid antagonist, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, which carrier particles are larger in size than the particles of the opioid analgesic. The compositions are also useful in prevention of opioid abuse by addicts.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of treating a subject in need thereof comprising, administering a particulate transmucosal pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmacologically-effective amount of an opioid analgesic, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, presented in particulate form upon the surfaces of carrier particles comprising a pharmacologically-effective amount of an opioid antagonist, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, which carrier particles are larger in size than the particles of the opioid analgesic, wherein both of said opioid analgesic and said opioid antagonist are delivered transmucosally, wherein the opioid analgesic is selected from fentanyl, alfentanil, sufentanil, remifentanil and buprenorphine, and the opioid antagonist is selected from nalmefene, methylnaltrexone, naltrexone and naloxone.