Antimicrobial locking solutions comprising taurinamide derivatives and biologically acceptable salts and acids, with the addition of small concentrations of heparin

Abstract

The present invention relates to inhibiting or preventing infection and protecting against patency complications after a blood catheter has been in a patient comprising administering to the device a pharmaceutically effective amount of a composition comprising:(A) at least one taurinamide derivative,(B) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of biologically acceptable acids and biologically acceptable salts thereof; and(C) heparin at a low concentration.

1 - 24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . A locking solution composition for treating and reducing infection and flow reduction in blood catheters, wherein the composition comprises a solution of:
 a. at least one taurinamide derivative; and   b. heparin, wherein the heparin concentration is selected so as to (i) permit blood clotting within the blood catheter, and (ii) reduce taurinamide derivative-induced changes to the character of the clots.   
     
     
         26 . The composition according to  claim 25  wherein the taurinamide derivative is taurolidine. 
     
     
         27 . The composition according to  claim 25  further comprising a biologically acceptable acid and a biologically acceptable salt of said acid in a combination that brings the pH of the combination into a range that enhances antimicrobial activity of the taurinamide derivative. 
     
     
         28 . The composition according to  claim 27  wherein the biologically acceptable acid is chosen from the group consisting of citric acid and lactic acid and the biologically acceptable salt is chosen from the group consisting of citrate and lactate. 
     
     
         29 . The composition according to  claim 27  wherein the taurinamide derivative is taurolidine, the biologically acceptable acid is citric acid and the biologically acceptable salt is citrate. 
     
     
         30 . A locking solution composition for treating and reducing infection and flow reduction in blood catheters, wherein the composition comprises a solution of:
 a. at least one taurinamide derivative; and   b. heparin, wherein the heparin concentration is selected so as to (i) permit blood clotting within the blood catheter, and (ii) reduce the formation of methemoglobin by the interaction of the at least one taurinamide derivative with blood.   
     
     
         31 . The composition according to  claim 30  wherein the taurinamide derivative is taurolidine. 
     
     
         32 . The composition according to  claim 30  further comprising a biologically acceptable acid and a biologically acceptable salt of said acid in a combination that brings the pH of the combination into a range that enhances antimicrobial activity of the taurinamide derivative. 
     
     
         33 . The composition according to  claim 32  wherein the biologically acceptable acid is chosen from the group consisting of citric acid and lactic acid and the biologically acceptable salt is chosen from the group consisting of citrate and lactate. 
     
     
         34 . The composition according to  claim 32  wherein the taurinamide derivative is taurolidine, the biologically acceptable acid is citric acid and the biologically acceptable salt is citrate. 
     
     
         35 . A locking solution composition for treating and reducing infection and flow reduction in blood catheters, wherein the composition comprises a solution of:
 a. at least one taurinamide derivative; and   b. heparin, wherein the heparin concentration is selected so as to (i) permit blood clotting within the blood catheter, and (ii) reduce the formation of blood clots of the type which have a tendency to stick to catheter walls.   
     
     
         36 . The composition according to  claim 35  wherein the taurinamide derivative is taurolidine. 
     
     
         37 . The composition according to  claim 35  further comprising a biologically acceptable acid and a biologically acceptable salt of said acid in a combination that brings the pH of the combination into a range that enhances antimicrobial activity of the taurinamide derivative. 
     
     
         38 . The composition according to  claim 37  wherein the biologically acceptable acid is chosen from the group consisting of citric acid and lactic acid and the biologically acceptable salt is chosen from the group consisting of citrate and lactate. 
     
     
         39 . The composition according to  claim 37  wherein the taurinamide derivative is taurolidine, the biologically acceptable acid is citric acid and the biologically acceptable salt is citrate. 
     
     
         40 . A locking solution composition for reducing infection and flow reduction in blood catheters, wherein the locking solution composition comprises a solution of:
 a. at least one taurinamide derivative; and   b. heparin, wherein the heparin concentration is selected so as to (i) permit blood clotting within the blood catheter, and (ii) reduce fragmentation and adherence of clots and clot fragments to the wall of the blood catheter, thereby enhancing removal of clots and clot fragments during preparation of the catheter for use.   
     
     
         41 . The composition according to  claim 40  wherein the taurinamide derivative is taurolidine. 
     
     
         42 . The composition according to  claim 40  further comprising a biologically acceptable acid and a biologically acceptable salt of said acid in a combination that brings the pH of the combination into a range that enhances antimicrobial activity of the taurinamide derivative. 
     
     
         43 . The composition according to  claim 42  wherein the biologically acceptable acid is chosen from the group consisting of citric acid and lactic acid and the biologically acceptable salt is chosen from the group consisting of citrate and lactate. 
     
     
         44 . The composition according to  claim 42  wherein the taurinamide derivative is taurolidine, the biologically acceptable acid is citric acid and the biologically acceptable salt is citrate.