Absorption enhancers for drug administration

Abstract

The present invention provides compositions and methods and for increasing the bioavailability of therapeutic agents in a subject. The compositions include at least one alkyl glycoside and at least one therapeutic agent, wherein the alkylglycoside has an alkyl chain length from about 10 to about 16 carbon atoms. In various aspects, the invention provides compositions and methods for oral delivery in the form of a tablet.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An intranasal pharmaceutical composition comprising a suitable nontoxic, nonionic alkyl glycoside in combination with a compound that affects the central nervous system, wherein the compound is an anti-seizure agent, wherein the alkyl glycoside comprises dodecyl-β-D maltoside at a concentration in the range of about 0.01% to 1.0%, and wherein the dodecyl-β-D maltoside increases absorption and bioavailability of the compound in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a subject. 
     
     
         2 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 1 , in a format selected from the group consisting of a drop, a spray, an aerosol and a sustained-release format. 
     
     
         3 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 1 , further comprising a mucosal delivery-enhancing agent selected from the group consisting of citric acid, sodium citrate, propylene glycol, glycerin, ascorbic acid, sodium metabisulfite, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) disodium, benzalkonium chloride, sodium hydroxide, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         4 . An intranasal pharmaceutical composition comprising a suitable nontoxic, nonionic alkyl glycoside in combination with a compound that affects the central nervous system, wherein the compound is an anti-seizure agent, wherein the alkyl glycoside has a hydrophile-lipophile balance number in the range of about 10 to 20 and comprises dodecyl-β-D maltoside, and wherein the dodecyl-β-D maltoside increases absorption and bioavailability of the compound in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a subject. 
     
     
         5 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 4 , wherein the dodecyl-β-D maltoside has a concentration in the range of about 0.01% to 1.0%. 
     
     
         6 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 4 , in a format selected from the group consisting of a drop, a spray, an aerosol and a sustained-release format. 
     
     
         7 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 4 , further comprising a mucosal delivery-enhancing agent selected from the group consisting of citric acid, sodium citrate, propylene glycol, glycerin, ascorbic acid, sodium metabisulfite, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) disodium, benzalkonium chloride, sodium hydroxide, and combinations thereof.