Topical pharmaceutical compositions for treatment of pilonidal sinus wounds
A topical composition comprising about 5 wt % to about 12.5 wt % of metronidazole or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof in a non-aqueous vehicle. The composition may be used in the treatment of skin damage due to inflammatory skin conditions; thermal, chemical or electrical burns; infections or radiation treatment. One advantage of the composition is that topical administration of metronidazole results in a primarily local effect, and thus, side effects observed from systemic administration are avoided.
1. A method of relieving pain and/or promoting wound healing in a patient due to a pilonidal sinus wound, hidradenitis or pressure sore wounds, the method comprising:
applying to the damaged skin area a topical composition, wherein the topical composition consists essentially of (a) metronidazole in a therapeutically effective concentration of 10 wt % to treat the pilonidal sinus wound, hidradenitis or pressure sore wounds and (b) a pharmacologically acceptable non-aqueous vehicle.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said vehicle is an organic vehicle.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle comprises at least one hydrocarbon compound.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle comprises a mixture of at least two semi-solid saturated hydrocarbon compounds.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle comprises white petrolatum (USP).
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein said topical composition is in the form of an ointment, lotion, gel, foam or cream.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein metronidazole is applied at a dosage for each application from about 125 mg to about 1250 mg.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the dosage of metronidazole for each application is from about 125 mg to about 375 mg.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the dosage of metronidazole for each application is about 250 mg.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein said topical composition is applied between from 2 to 4 times daily.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein said topical composition has a fluffy texture.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein said topical composition is obtained by passing metronidazole and white petrolatum through an ointment mill.