AEROSOL OINTMENT COMPOSITIONS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

Abstract: Aerosol ointment compositions are provided that, when a deposit is expelled from an aerosol container onto damaged tissue, there is applied to said tissue a cold ointment by which exerts a cooling pain relief effect and a medicinal therapeutic effect on said tissues. Exemples of typical ointments of the invention are those for the temporary relief of hemorrhoids, treatment of sunburn and relief from arthritic pain. A method for the manufacture of aerosol ointment composition capable of expelling from aerosol containers ointments that exert on damaged tissues both a pain relieving cooling effect and a medicinal therapeutic effect. The aerosol compositions that enhance the therapeutic action of an ointment by instantly producing a sustained cooling effect which provides fast relief from pain and itching as well as a tendency to shrink swollen, inflamed tissue in advance of the slower action of any medication present in the ointment, where the aerosol composition consists of from about 10 to about 60 percent by weight of an ointment component and from about 40 to about 90 percent by weight of liquefied propellant that is predominantly a non-polar propellant, and where the sum of the ointment component and the propellant equals 100 percent by weight of the composition.

Description: AEROSOL OINTMENT COMPOSITIONS AND o METHOD OF MANUFACTURE Background of the Invention U.S. Patent No. 4,422,887 to Spitzer et al c discloses aerosol synthetic polymer - liquefied propellant compositions which when expelled from an aerosol container form cold pad polymeric foamed structures whose temperature is initially at least 30°C below the ambient temperature at which the cold formed structure is formed, 0 said formed structures containing open and/or closed cells which may contain an additive which is deposited in the pores and/or walls of the foamed structure as the foamed structure is formed. The aforedescribed aerosol compositions prior art when expelled on a surface exert a 5 pronounced cooling effect on said surface until the propellant component thereof is completely evaporated. The essential ingredients of the aerosol compositions of the above-mentioned U.S. Patent No. 4,422,887 are: 0 a. a film- forming synthetic polymer in an amount within the range from about 2% to about 30% by weight of the composition; b. at least one liquefied propellant boiling 5 below -10°C; c. the total propellant being in an amount within the range from about 50% to about 90% by weight of the composition; and having a heat vaporization of at least 55 0 calories per gram; the propellant being capable of dissolving the synthetic polymer at least in the presence of a co- solvent that is soluble in the propellant and in 5 solutions of the synthetic polymer in the propellant at ambient temperature; and d. at least one nonsolvent that is soluble in the propellant but in which the synthetic polymer is insoluble in an amount within the range from about 1% to about 85% by weight of the composition; the composition forming on volatilization of propellant at ambient temperature a coherent formed structure containing open and/or closed cells, and having a temperature at least 30°C below ambient temperature. Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to an aerosol composition consisting essentially of an ointment - liquified propellant composition which when expelled from an aerosol container onto damaged tissue provides a cold ointment which exerts a therapeutic effect on said tissue in contact therewith. The cooling effect provided by the expelled composition of this invention is controlled so as to provide relief of pain for a desirable period of time but not too cold to cause discomfort or tissue damage. Thus, an object of this invention is to provide a therapeutic ointment composition which when expelled from an aerosol container is cold enough to provide a cooling effect for pain relief but not too cold as to cause discomfort to damaged tissue to which the ointment is applied, said ointment also exerting a therapeutic effect on damaged tissue in contact therewith. A further object is an ointment that can deliver appropriate medication as well as a cooling effect where it is applied. Another object of the invention is to provide a cold ointment for the temporary relief of hemorrhoids which when applied to the swollen inflamed tissue provides a cooling effect and quickly relieving pain and itching as well as effecting shrinking of swollen inflamed tissue. A still further object of the invention is an ointment for the treatment of sunburn. Another object of the invention is a cold anti- itch ointment as well as one that provides relief from arthritic pain. An additional object of the invention is to provide a cold ointment that is initially unctious, but dries to leave a deposit that is neither greasy nor oily. More particularly, the present invention relates to novel aerosol compositions that enhance the therapeutic action of an ointment by instantly producing a sustained cooling effect which provides fast relief from pain and itching as well as a tendency to shrink swollen, inflamed tissue in advance of the slower action of any medication present in the ointment, said aerosol composition consisting essentially of from about 10 to about 60 percent by weight of an ointment component and from about 40 to about 90 percent by weight of liquefied propellant that is predominantly a non-polar propellant, and where the sum of the ointment component and the propellant equals 100 percent by weight of the composition. Also, the present invention relates to a novel method for enhancing the therapeutic effect of a solid or semi-solid ointment which consists of dissolving and/or dispersing: a. from about 10 to about 60 percent by weight of an ointment that does not flow below about 35°C, in b. about 40 to about 90 percent by weight of a liquefied propellant that is predominantly a non-polar propellant in an aerosol container, whereby a solid or semi-solid deposit is formed when a portion of the composition is expelled and this deposit placed in contact with injured tissue it provides instant relief from pain and itching as the result of its sustained cold, thereby enhancing the performance of the ointment with its slower action medications . The compositions used in the practice of this invention consist essentially of an ointment, i.e., a solid or semisolid component, dissolved and/or dispersed in a liquified propellant in a suitable aerosol container. The product is expelled from the aerosol container either as a deposit confined to a small area or as a spray covering a wider area, depending on the application. Thus, to relieve hemorrhoids the deposit should be confined to a small area, while to relieve sunburn a wider area is likely to be more convenient. The expelled therapeutic composition for this invention will feel cold due to the evaporation of the propellant. A substantial portion of the propellant that is expelled should initially be part of the deposit, so that there is a continuing cooling action as the propellant gradually evaporates. It is also important that the deposit have a comparatively high density and that it be applied thickly. The temperature of the expelled deposit should be initially in the range of about -5°C to about +5°C. In this range the deposit can have the therapeutic effects that are the objects of this invention while not being so cold as to cause pain or tissue damage. It has now been found that n-butane is the preferred propellant for use in the compositions of this invention. n-Butane has a boiling point of -0.5°C and will tend to maintain the deposit at about that temperature. If the deposit gets much cooler, further cooling by evaporation will slow substantially. The deposit will remain in the required temperature range until the proportion of n-butane in the deposit has become quite low. A related reason for preferring n-butane is that it has a lower vapor pressure than the more widely used liquified propellants: isobutane and propane. The lower vapor pressure assures that less propellant will be lost through evaporation as the exudate travels from the aerosol valve to the substrate upon which it is to be deposited. However, for those products that are likely to be used at lower ambient temperatures, where n-butane does not provide sufficient pressure to expel the composition properly, it is advantageous to combine n-butane with a lesser amount of a higher vapor pressure propellant, e.g., isobutane, propane or dimethyl ether. The distance of the spray path as well as the characteristics of the package play a role in determining how much propellant will be lost as the exudate travels to the substrate upon which it will be deposited. It is evident that the longer the spray path, the more propellant will be lost by evaporation before reaching the substrate and the less propellant will be available for sustained cooling. It has also been found that restrictions in the delivery system also promote early evaporation of propellant by reducing the flow rate of the exudate . However, with some compositions a restricted delivery system is beneficial, since it results in a heavier-bodied deposit. Also, where layering of the composition occurs within the container, it is advantageous to employ a capillary dip tube, i.e., a dip tube with an inside diameter of 0.1 mm., to minimize the amount of separated material that is released after first shaking the container. Shaking is not effective in mixing material that is in the dip tube. The dynamic physical characteristics of the composition play an important role in determining the amount of propellant in the deposit and the amount of time it will remain in the deposit to provide sustained cooling. The aerosol compositions of this invention consist of an ointment that generally is a dispersion of thickening agent in liquid solution of an oil, and often one or more medicinal ingredients, dispersed and/or dissolved in an appropriate propellant so that the expelled deposit is initially in the range of about -5°C to about +5°C. As product is expelled there is some loss of propellant accompanied by cooling of the exudate. If the deposit had been a liquid rather than an ointment, it would have spread rapidly whereby expiration of the propellant would occur too quickly and one would not obtain the desired sustained cooling effect . The compositions of this invention deposit as solids or semisolids. The thickness of the deposit helps to provide sustained therapeutic cooling. It has been found that the ointment component of the composition should have a flow temperature that is at least about 35°C; otherwise, the deposit will liquefy readily and not provide sufficient cooling. It is advantageous that the flow temperature of the ointment component of the composition not exceed about 60°C, otherwise manufacture becomes more difficult. The composition contained in an appropriate aerosol container in accordance with this invention contains from about 10 to about 60 percent by weight of an ointment with a flow temperature of at least about 35°C and from about 40 to about 90 percent by weight of a propellant that is predominantly n-butane. Detailed Description of the Invention The ointment component of the composition contained in an aerosol container in accordance with the present invention includes such medically active ingredients, petroleum jellies, oils, volatile liquids, thickening agents, surfactants, and dispersed solids as may be present in the composition. Oils that may be used in the compositions include mineral oils, silicone oils, vegetable oils such as corn oil, safflower oil, soya oil, cod liver oil, and shark liver oil and synthetic oils such as isopropyl myristate, butyl stearate and dimethyl sebacate . Volatile organic liquids boiling below about 250 °C may be used as partial or complete replacements of the oils, to provide an ointment component that dries to leave a non-greasy, non-oily residue. The polydimethylcyclosiloxanes having 3 to 5 silicone atoms are particularly useful, because of their low potential to cause irritation. Thickening agents that may be used include mineral waxes such as paraffin and microcrystalline waxes, animal and vegetable waxes such as beeswax, wool wax, spermaceti and bayberry wax, synthetic waxes such as hydrogenated caster oil, glyceryl monostearate, cetyl palmitate and cetyl alcohol; polymers such as polyethylene and polyisobutylene and metallic soaps such as aluminum distearate . Water may also be included in the ointment component in the form of a water -in-oil emulsion. Water is useful in a number of ways. It can act as a solvent or a dispersion medium for an active ingredient. It evaporates so that less residue remains on the skin. It reduces costs by replacing more expensive ingredients. When a portion of the aerosol composition is expelled, the deposit is a cold ointment -like structure that is a water-in-oil emulsion. When water is included in the composition, emulsifying agents are also added to facilitate the formation of a water-in-oil emulsion. Generally, a water- soluble and an oil-soluble emulsifier are used in combination. Oil-soluble emulsifiers include the di- and tri- ethanoxy esters of lauric, myristic, palmitic and stearic acids, and the di and tri- ethanoxy ethers of lauryl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol and lanolin alcohols. Glyceryl monostearate also serves as an oil- soluble emulsifier. Water-soluble emulsifiers include the decylethanoxy esters and ethers of the above acids and alohols, respectively; water-soluble soaps, such as potassium palmitate; anionic surfactants, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate and sodium stearoyl lactate; amphoteric surfactants, such as the sodium salts of the imidazoline monocarboxyl stearyl derivative and the imidazoline dicarboxyl coconut derivative; and cationic surfactants, such a cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. When water, along with water-soluble emulifiers, are used in the compositions, it is necessary that they be used judiciously so that an aqueous foam is not formed when product is released from the container. An aqueous foam will neither produce nor sustain the required temperature when n-butane is used as the propellant. Including the water in the ointment in the form of a water-in-oil emulsion assures that an aqueous foam will not form. Various therapeutic agents may also be included in the composition. These include local anesthetic ingredients such as benzocaine, dibucaine, lidocaine and pramoxine hydrochloride ; antipruritic agents such as menthol and camphor; vasoconstrictors such as ephedrine sulfate, epinephrine and phenylephrine hydrochloride; antiseptics such as hexyl resorcinol, bithionol and triclocarban; antibiotics such as bacitracin, polymyxin, mystatin and neomycin; anti- inflammatory agents such as hydrocortisone; counter-irritants such as methyl salicylate; and rubefacients such as methyl nicotinate. For the preparation of the compositions of this invention, ointments are prepared in the conventional manner. Generally, the ingredients are combined and heated with stirring until all ingredients have dissolved, except for those ingredients that are not soluble or are heat sensitive. These are added after the ointment has cooled sufficiently. The ointment is stirred while cooling. It is dosed into the aerosol containers at a temperature above its flow temperature. When a aqueous phase is part of the ointment composition, ingredients that are soluble or dispersible in that phase are combined with it. Preferably, the aqueous phase is then blended with the non-aqueous phase at a temperature above the flow temperature of the non- aqueous phase to form a water- in oil emulsion. The two phases, either separately or as a performed emulsion, are dosed into the aerosol containers at a temperature above their flow temperatures. Vacuum is applied to the containers to remove air and the propellant is added either before or after clinching of the valves. Either before or after adding the actuators and cover caps, the packages are passed through a water bath that is warm enough to raise the temperature of the ointment above its flow temperature. Shaking causes the ointment to blend with the propellant. The studies that resulted in this invention were conducted using compositions packaged in aerosol containers fitted with valves with two 0.5 mm. diameter orifices and 3 mm. diameter dip tubes. The actuator had a spout with a 1 mm. diameter opening. About 2.5 grams of composition were expelled onto a paper held 2.5 cm. from the spout . The temperature was determined using an electronic thermometer inserted into the deposit . The paper holding the deposit was folded so that as much of the deposit as possible could surround the temperature probe. These test conditions were used in establishing the preferred temperature range and in determining how long the temperature was sustained. To study various physical effects, actuators, valves and dip tubes with different size openings were used. Tests were also conducted when the distance between the actuator and the paper substrate were varied. The following Examples 1-6 illustrate the preferred embodiments of the invention: Aerosol Ointment For Treatment Of Hemorrhoids Example 1 Parts By Weight Petroleum jelly (1) 26.4 Microcrystalline wax (2) 6.6 Epinephrine 0.01 Pramoxine hydrochloride 1.0 n-Butane 66 . 0 ( 1 ) f low temperature = 41°C (2) melting point = 74°C Ointment flow temperature = 48°C This example illustrates a product for the relief of hemorrhoids. It was prepared by first milling the pramoxine hydrochloride with the petroleum jelly until the dispersion was complete. The dispersion was then combined with the wax and heated with stirring until the wax had dissolved in the petroleum jelly. The composition was then cooled to 55°C and the epinephrine mixed in. The fluid solution was added to the aerosol cans, valves were clinched on, vacuum was applied to remove air in the cans and n-butane was added under pressure. The filled cans were placed in a heated water bath to check for leaks and to bring the composition to a temperature above the flow temperature of the ointment. Spout actuators with a 1 mm. opening were placed on the valves and the cans were shaken to dissolve and/or disperse the ointment in the n-butane. To use, the container was shaken and then held with the actuator close to a double layer of toilet tissue. About a 2 gram deposit was expelled onto the tissue. The ointment on the tissue was held against the hemorrhoids until it no longer felt cold. The sustained cold had the immediate effect of providing relief from burning and itching, while simultaneously the inflamed tissue appeared to shrink and recede to its normal position. These immediate beneficial effects due to the sustained cold were continued by the actions of the local anaesthetic and the vasoconstrictor present in the ointment . Aerosol Ointment For Treatment Of Sunburn Example Parts By Weight Glyceryl monostearate (1) 11.6 Isopropyl myristate 17.4 Camphor 1.0 n-Butane 70.0 (1) melting points = 57.4 C Ointment flow temperature = 44 C Example 2 illustrates a sunburn preparation. It was prepared by heating with stirring to dissolve the glyceryl monostearate and camphor in the isopropyl myristate. The solution was cooled to 50°C and dosed into aerosol cans. Valves were crimped onto the cans, a vacuum was drawn and the propellant was added under pressure. The filled cans were placed in a heated water bath to check for leaks and to bring the composition above the flow temperature of the ointment. The cans were then shaken. The molten ointment mixes readily with the propellant in which it is dissolved and/or dispersed. Spray actuators with a 0.5 mm. diameter opening were fitted on the valves. To use, the container was shaken and held only a few cm. from the sunburned area before spraying. The sustained cold quickly relieved burning and itching sensations due to the sunburn. The ointment was then spread to more uniformly cover the sunburned area. The antipruritic agent present in the composition continues the therapeutic effect. o Aerosol Ointment For Treatment Of Arthritic Pain Example 3 Parts By Weight ,- Glyceryl monostearate (1) 17 Methyl salicylate 17 n-Butane 66 (1) melting point = 57.5 C 0 Ointment flow temperature - 38 C This example illustrates a product for the relief of arthritic pain. The glyceryl monostearate and methyl salicylate were combined and heated to dissolve the glyceryl monostearate. The remainder of the procedure was the same as example 2, except that spout actuators with a 1 mm. diameter opening were used instead of spray actuators . To use, the aerosol can was shaken and a small 0 amount of the cold ointment was expelled and spread over the arthritic area. The sustained cold provided quick relief. The ointment was then rubbed into the area. As it was being rubbed in, the warm counterirritant action of the methyl salicylate could be felt through the cold. 5 0 5 Aerosol Ointment For Treatment For Relieving Itching o Example 4 Parts By Weight Glyceryl monostearate (1) 10 - 2 Hexyldecanol 15 Hydrocortisone 1 n-Butane 64 Isobutane 10 0 (1) melting point = 57.5 C Ointment flow temperature = 40 C The hydrocortisone preparation provides instant relief from itching. The glyceryl monostearate, 2- 5 hexyldecanol and hydrocortisone were combined and heated with stirring to obtain a clear solution. The remainder of the procedure was the same as in example 2, except that spout actuators with a 1 mm. opening were used. When the aerosol ointment was applied, itching quickly stopped due 0 to the sustained cold. The antipruritic effect continued throughout the day, presumable due to the action of the hydrocortisone . 5 0 5 Aerosol Ointment For The Relief Of Itching Example 5 Parts By - We. ight Glyceryl monostearate (1) 5 . 0 < - Dimethylcyclopolysiloxane (2) 12 . 0 Hydrocortisone 1 . 0 Disodium cocoapmphodipropionate 0 . 2 Water 15 . 8 0 n-Butane 66 . 0 (1) melting point = 57.5 C (2) DC 245 Fluid (Dow Corning Corp Ointment flow temperature = 40 C 5 Example 5 illustrates a hydrocortisone ointment composition for the relief of itching, where the ointment component is a water-in-oil emulsion. It was prepared by combining the oil-soluble components, heating to dissolve the glyceryl monostearate, and then cooling with mixing 0 until it started to thicken. The water-soluble surfactant was dissolved in the water and heated to the temperature of the oil mixture. The aqueous solution was mixed into the oil phase to form a water-in-oil emulsion, which was heated until it flowed, and then dosed into aerosol cans. 5 The remainder of the procedure was the same as in Example 1. 0 5 Aerosol Ointment For The Relief of Muscle Aches o Example 6 Parts By Weight Glyceryl monostearate (1) 8.6 j- Dimethylcyclopolysiloxane (2) 6.5 Mineral oil 6.5 Menthol 2.0 Disodium cocoamphodipropionate 0.15 0 Water 9.8 n-Butane 66.45 (1) melting point = 57.5 C (2) DC 245 Fluid (Dow Corning Corp.) 5 Ointment flow temperature = 41 C Example 6 illustrates an ointment composition for the relief of muscle aches, where the ointment component is a water-in-oil emulsion. The procedure is 0 the same as in Example 5. The benefit derived from using compositions based on wacer-in-oil emulsions, especially when part of the oil phase is volatile, is that when applied topically the residue is not greasy or oily. 5 Changes in construction will occur to those skilled in the art and various apparently different modifications and embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The matter set forth in the foregoing description is offered by way of 0 illustration only. The actual scope of the invention is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective against the prior art. 5

Claims: We Claim : 1. Aerosol compositions that enhance the therapeutic action of an ointment by instantly producing a sustained cooling effect which provides fast relief from pain and itching as well as a tendency to shrink swollen, inflamed tissue in advance of the slower action of any medication present in the ointment, where the aerosol composition consists of from about 10 to about 60 percent by weight of an ointment component and from about 40 to about 90 percent by weight of liquefied propellant that is predominantly a non-polar propellant, and where the sum of the ointment component and the propellant equals 100 percent by weight of the composition. 2. Aerosol compositions in accordance with claim 1, where the propellant is predominantly n-butane. 3. Aerosol compositions in accordance with claim 1 that deposit cold ointment -like structures that are initially between about -5°C and about +5°C. 4. Aerosol compositions in accordance with claim 1, where the ointment component is non-flowable below about 35°C. 5. Aerosol compositions in accordance with claim 1, where the ointment component is non-flowable below about 35°C, the propellant is predominantly n-butane and the deposit is initially between about -5°C and about +5°C. 6. Aerosol compositions in accordance with claim 1 wherein the ointment is of such nature to provide relief from the pain, itching and discomfort of hemorrhoids . o 7. Aerosol compositions in accordance with claim 1 wherein the ointment is of such a nature to provide relief from the pain and discomfort of arthritis. 5 8. Aerosol compositions in accordance with claim 1 wherein the ointment is of such nature to provide relief from itching. 9. Aerosol compositions in accordance with 0 claim 1 wherein the ointment is of such nature to provide relief from the burning and discomfort of sunburn. 10. Aerosol compositions in accordance with claim 1 wherein the ointment contains hydrocortisone. 5 11. Aerosol compositions in accordance with claim 1 wherein the ointment contains a local anaesthetic. 12. Aerosol compositions in accordance with 0 claim 1 wherein the ointment contains an analgesic. 13. Aerosol compositions in accordance with claim 1 wherein the ointment contains a counter-irritant. 5 14. Aerosol compositions in accordance with claim 1 wherein the ointment contains a vasoconstrictor. 15. A method for enhancing the therapeutic effect of a solid or semi-solid ointment which consists of 0 dissolving and/or dispersing: a. from about 10 to about 60 percent by weight of an ointment that does not flow below about 35°C, in 5 b. about 40 to about 90 percent by weight of a liquefied propellant that is predominantly a non-polar propellant in an aerosol container, whereby a solid or semi- solid deposit is formed when a portion of the composition is expelled and this deposit placed in contact with injured tissue it provides instant relief from pain and itching as the result of its sustained cold, thereby enhancing the performance of the ointment with its slower action medications. 16. Aerosol compositions that enhance the therapeutic action of an ointment by instantly producing a sustained cooling effect which provides fast relief from pain and itching as well as a tendency to shrink swollen, inflamed tissue in advance of the slower action of any medication present in the ointment, where the aerosol compositions consist essentially of about 10 to about 60 percent by weight of an ointment component and from about 40 to about 90 percent by weight of a liquefied propellant that is predominantly n-butane, the compositions forming a solid or semi-solid ointment deposit that is initially between about -5°C and about 5°C. 17. Aerosol compositions that enhance the therapeutic action of an ointment by instantly producing a sustained cooling effect which provides fast relief from pain and itching as well as a tendency to shrink swollen, inflamed tissue in advance of the slower action of any medication present in the ointment, where the aerosol compositions consist essentially of about 10 to about 60 percent by weight of an ointment component that is non- flowable below about 35 °C and from about 40 to about 9O percent by weight of a liquefied propellant that is predominantly n-butane, and where the sum of the ointment component and the propellant equals 100 percent by weight, the ointment and propellant, when deposited on the tissue, forming a solid or semi-solid ointment deposit that is initally between about -5°C and about 5°C. 18. Aerosol compositions in accordance with Claim 1 that, when expelled, deposit an ointment containing a substantial proportion of propellant, whose evaporation is restrained by the solid or semi-solid nature of the deposit, thereby instantly producing a sustained cooling effect. 19. Ointment compositions in accordance with Claim 17 wherein the ointment comprises oils and thickening agents. 20. Ointment compositions in accordance with Claim 19 wherein the oils are selected from the group consisting of mineral oils, silicone oils, vegetable oils and synthetic oils, and the thickening agents are selected from the group consisting of mineral waxes, animal and vegetable waxes, synthetic waxes, lower alkylene hydrocarbon polymers and metallic soap. 21. Aerosol compositions in accordance with claim 1, where the ointment component contains a volatile silicone fluid boiling below about 250°C. 22. Aerosol compositions in accordance with claim 1, where the ointment component is a water-in-oil emulsion. 23. Aerosol compositions in accordance with claim 3 that deposit cold ointment-like structures that are water-in-oil emulsions.

Inventors: MARRA DOROTHEA C, OSIPOW LLOYD I, SPITZER J GEORGE, MARRA, DOROTHEA, C., OSIPOW, LLOYD, I., SPITZER, J., GEORGE
Applicants: MARRA DOROTHEA C, OSIPOW LLOYD I, SPITZER J GEORGE, MARRA, DOROTHEA, C., OSIPOW, LLOYD, I., SPITZER, J., GEORGE
Application year: 1998
Main classification: A61K9
IPC codes: A61K9