Ophthalmic compositions containing a synergistic combination of three polymers
Ophthalmic compositions suitable for use as artificial tears or as vehicles for ophthalmic drugs are disclosed. The compositions contain a combination of three polymers that have a synergistic effect on viscosity.
1. An aqueous composition suitable for topical ophthalmic administration comprising three polymeric ingredients having a synergistic effect on the composition's viscosity wherein the three polymeric ingredients are hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and a combination of two polymers selected from the group of combinations consisting of guar gum and a carboxyvinyl polymer; guar gum and hydroxyethyl cellulose; guar gum and dextran; hydroxyethyl cellulose and a carboxyvinyl polymer; and dextran and a carboxyvinyl polymer, provided that if the composition comprises a carboxyvinyl polymer then the composition does not contain sodium chloride or boric acid, wherein the total concentration of the three polymeric ingredients ranges from 0.1-1% (w/v).
2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the guar gum ingredient is hydroxypropyl guar.
3. The composition of claim 1 wherein the carboxyvinyl polymer is a polymer of acrylic acid crosslinked with allyl sucrose or allylpentaerythritol.
4. The composition of claim 1 wherein the total concentration of the three polymeric ingredients ranges from 0.3-0.9% (w/v).
5. The composition of claim 4 wherein the total concentration of the three polymeric ingredients ranges from 0.4-0.7% (w/v).
6. The composition of claim 1 further comprising an ingredient selected from the group consisting of pharmaceutically acceptable buffering agents; preservatives; non-ionic tonicity-adjusting agents; surfactants; solubilizing agents; stabilizing agents; comfort-enhancing agents; emollients; pH-adjusting agents; and lubricants.
7. The composition of claim 1 further comprising an ophthalmic drug.
8. The composition of claim 7 wherein the ophthalmic drug is selected from the group consisting of anti-glaucoma agents; anti-angiogenesis agents; anti-infective agents; non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory agents; growth factors; immunosuppressant agents; and anti-allergic agents.
9. An aqueous composition for use as an artificial tear wherein the composition consists essentially of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; a carboxyvinyl polymer; hydroxypropyl guar; and mannitol, wherein the total concentration of the three polymeric ingredients ranges from 0.1-1% (w/v) and the composition has a pH of 6.5-7.5 and an osmolality in the range of 235-260 mOsm/kg.