Oxymetazoline for the treatment of ano-rectal disorders

Abstract

Methods for treating fecal incontinence by administering to a subject in need thereof compositions including oxymetazoline as an active ingredient. Kits including compositions of oxymetazoline suitable for topical application, for the treatment of fecal incontinence.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method,
 wherein the method treats fecal incontinence in a subject in need thereof,   wherein the method comprises: administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising oxymetazoline or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to the subject's anal cavity, to treat the fecal incontinence,   wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the composition comprises 0.1% to 1% of oxymetazoline or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises oxymetazoline hydrochloride. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises at least one carrier, diluent, excipient, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is selected from the group consisting of:
 long acting, controlled release, slow release, sustained release, bioadhesive and mucoadhesive.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is in a dosage form selected from the group consisting of: gel, cream, paste, spray suppository, mousse, emollient, powder, solution, suspension and foam. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the composition comprises 0.08% to 0.8% of oxymetazoline or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the composition comprising oxymetazoline or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is sufficient to treat fecal incontinence in the subject for at least 4 hours.