Nasal foam via cribriform plate for medication delivery to the brain and/or body and for nasal moisturization and hygiene

Abstract

Methods and compositions for delivering medicine and other substances to the brain and the body via the cribriform plate using foamable compositions are described. Methods and compositions for improving nasal hygiene and moisturizing the nasal cavity using foamable compositions are also described.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A method for moisturizing the nasal cavity of a subject comprising:
 a) aerating a saline solution comprising a moisturizing agent to form a saline foam; and   b) delivering the saline foam to the nasal cavity to substantially fill the nasal cavity.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the saline solution is a sterile, normal saline solution. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the saline solution further comprises at least one of a foaming agent, a pH modifying agent, an osmolarity modifying agent, a stabilizing agent, or a preservative. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the moisturizing agent is at least one selected from the group consisting of: glycerin, aloe vera, hyaluronan, shea butter, milk fat, and oil. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the saline foam is formed by aerating the saline solution using at least one gas selected from the group consisting of air, N 2 , N 2 O, CO 2 , HFC-134a and HFC-227ea. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the step of delivering includes inhaling the foam through a nostril of the subject. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the step of delivering includes forcing, through inhalation or expiration, the foam pharmaceutical composition through a foam outlet in the nostril of the subject and the foam does not pass through an elongated tube to the cribriform plate. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the foam does not pass through an elongated tube to the cribriform plate.