Methods and compositions for treating pulmonary disorders using optically pure (R,R)-formoterol
A method and composition are disclosed utilizing the pure (R,R) isomer of formoterol, which is a potent bronchodilator with reduced adverse effects, a low incidence of the development of tolerance and an increased duration of action, as compared to racemic formoterol.
1. A method of reducing morbidity ascribable to high dose or long term use of β2 sympathomimetic bronchodilator drugs in an asthma patient, the method comprising administering to the asthma patient a therapeutically effective amount of (R,R)-formoterol, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, the (R,R)-formoterol containing at least 90% by weight of (R,R)-formoterol and less than 10% by weight of (S,S)-formoterol.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the (R,R)-formoterol is administered by subcutaneous injection, intravenous infusion, inhalation, transdermal delivery or oral administration.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the (R,R)-formoterol or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the (R,R)-formoterol is administered as the fumarate salt.
5. The method of claim 2 , wherein the (R,R)-formoterol is administered as the tartrate salt.
6. The method of claim 2 , wherein the (R,R)-formoterol is administered as the succinate salt.
7. The method of claim 2 , wherein the (R,R)-formoterol is administered by inhalation and the amount administered is about 1 μg to about 100 μg per day, in single or divided doses.
8. The method of claim 5 , wherein the amount administered is about 6 μg to about 25 μg per day, in single or divided doses.
9. The method of claim 6 , wherein the amount administered is about 12 μg to about 25 μg per day, in single or divided doses.
10. The method of claim 7 , wherein the amount is administered in from two to four divided doses.
11. The method of claim 2 , wherein the (R,R)-formoterol is administered orally and the amount administered is about 0.1 mg to about 1 mg per day.