Methods of treating hypersensitive cough or itching using ion channel inhibitory compounds

Abstract

The present invention is directed towards new chemical entities which primarily inhibit the human T-type calcium channels and differentially modulate other key ion channels to control cell excitability, and abnormal neuronal activity, particularly involved in hypersensitive cough or itching.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of treating hypersensitive cough, the method comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective mount of a compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound is: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein R 1  is phenyl substituted with one to three substituents, each of which is a member selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, and CF 3 , thereby treating hypersensitive cough. 
       
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the compound is: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein R 1a  and R 1b  are members each independently selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, and CF 3 . 
       
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the compound is: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the hypersensitive cough is caused by a disease or syndrome selected from the group consisting of COPD, asthma, GI reflux, post-nasal drip syndrome and chronic exposure to pollutants. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the compound is administered orally or nasally. 
     
     
         6 . A method of treating itching, the method comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       thereby treating itching. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the itching is caused by atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, kidney failure, cholestasis, diabetes, leukemia, lymphoma, eczema, liver failure, anemia, thyroid disease, toxic plant exposure, chemical exposure, smog exposure, insect bites or allergic reaction to a food allergan. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the compound is administered orally or nasally. 
     
     
         9 . A method of treating itching, the method comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       thereby treating itching. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the itching is caused by atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, kidney failure, cholestasis, diabetes, leukemia, lymphoma, eczema, liver failure, anemia, thyroid disease, toxic plant exposure, chemical exposure, smog exposure, insect bites or allergic reaction to a food allergan. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the compound is administered orally or nasally.