Methods and compositions for treating conditions associated with infection and/or inflammation
The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating and preventing conditions characterized by infection and/or inflammation, especially of the eyes, ears, nose, and/or throat. The methods of the invention involve administering hypohalous acid to the patient, such as in the form of a composition described herein.
1. A method for treating an ocular condition characterized by a bacterial infection and chronic inflammation of an eye of a subject, comprising: administering to the eye of a subject an effective amount of a hypochlorous acid solution, wherein the hypochlorous acid has an available free chlorine content of at least 250 ppm, and is at least 80% hypochlorous acid relative to the total amount of hypochlorous acid, hypochlorite, and Cl 2 as 100%.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ocular condition includes conjunctivitis, blepharitis, external hordeolum, internal hordeolum, uveitis, canaliculitis, and/or dacrocystitis.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the bacterial infection involves Staphylococci and/or Streptococci, optionally including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the bacterial infection is antibiotic resistant.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the bacterial infection is resistant to a beta-lactam or fluoroquinilone antibiotic.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the infection is a superinfection of viral and bacterial etiologies.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the bacterial infection produces a discharge or wherein the bacterial infection is an acute infection secondary to the chronic inflammation.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the condition is recurring.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the treatment reduces the capacity of the infection to spread.
10. The method of claim 7 , wherein the hypochlorous acid is administered:
instead of anti-inflammatory medication and/or antibiotics.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the condition additionally comprises a viral infection.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the hypochlorous acid has a pH of from 4 to 7.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the hypochlorous acid has an available free chlorine content of above from 250 ppm to 400 ppm.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the available free chlorine consists essentially of hypochlorous acid as an active agent.
15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the hypochlorous acid solution has from 250 to 600 ppm AFC.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the condition involves bacterial conjunctivitis.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the solution is administered as an eye drop or eye wash.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the solution is administered from 1 to 4 times per day.
19. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ocular condition includes allergic conjunctivitis.
20. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ocular condition includes uveitis.