Use of prostacyclin antagonists for treating ocular surface nociception

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the use of compositions and methods for treating nociceptive events that occur on the ocular surface in association with dryness, injury, environmental pollutants, and infectious and non-infectious diseases. Specifically, the present invention is directed to the use of certain compounds for treating for treating ocular pain or ocular discomfort.

1 .- 21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . A pharmaceutical composition for topical ophthalmic administration comprising 4,5-dihydro-N-[4-[[4-(1-methylethoxy)phenyl]methyl]phenyl]-1H-imadazol-2-amine, or an ophthalmically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the 4,5-dihydro-N-[4-[[4-(1-methylethoxy)phenyl]methyl]phenyl]-1H-imadazol-2-amine is present in a concentration from about 0.003% (w/v) to about 5% (w/v), and wherein said composition is a solution. 
     
     
         23 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 22 , further comprising at least one component selected from polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, glycerol, mannitol, glycerine, polysorbate 80, or carbomer. 
     
     
         24 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 22 , wherein the 4,5-dihydro-N-[4-[[4-(1-methylethoxy)phenyl]methyl]phenyl]-1H-imadazol-2-amine is present in a concentration of about 0.05% (w/v), of about 0.1% (w/v), of about 0.2% (w/v), of about 0.3% (w/v), of about 0.4% (w/v), of about 0.5% (w/v), about 0.6% (w/v), of about 0.7% (w/v), of about 0.8% (w/v), of about 0.9% (w/v), or of about 1.0% (w/v). 
     
     
         25 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 22 , wherein the 4,5-dihydro-N-[4-[[4-(1-methylethoxy)phenyl]methyl]phenyl]-1H-imadazol-2-amine is present in a concentration of about 1.1% (w/v), of about 1.2% (w/v), of about 1.3% (w/v), of about 1.4% (w/v), of about 1.5% (w/v), about 1.6% (w/v), of about 1.7% (w/v), of about 1.8% (w/v), of about 1.9% (w/v), or of about 2.0% (w/v). 
     
     
         26 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 22 , wherein the composition is free of preservative.