Method and topical formulation for treating localized edema
Methods and formulations are provided for the treatment of localized edema, particularly localized edema resulting from chronic venous insufficiency. A metal ion sequestrant is topically administered to a subject afflicted with localized edema in combination with a permeation enhancer selected from methylsulfonylmethane and a combination of methylsulfonylmethane and dimethylsulfoxide. Topically administrable formulations for use in the aforementioned method are also provided.
1. A method for treating localized edema in a patient, comprising:
topically applying to the patient at the site of the localized edema a composition consisting of
(a) a therapeutically effective amount of a metal ion sequestrant, wherein the metal ion sequestrant is ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), and pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof,
(b) an effective permeation-enhancing amount of a permeation enhancer selected from methylsulfonylmethane and a combination of methylsulfonylmethane and dimethylsulfoxide and
(c) a pharmaceutically acceptable topical carrier consisting of one or more inactive additives,
wherein the localized edema is caused by chronic venous insufficiency.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the permeation enhancer is methylsulfonylmethane.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the formulation is selected from a lotion, a cream, and a gel.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the formulation is a lotion or a cream.