Claims for Patent: 4,395,420

Summary for Patent: 4,395,420

Title:	Method and composition for treating pruritis
Abstract:	A method of and composition for treating pruritis comprising topically applying a therapeutically effective amount of a tricyclic anti-depressant in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The tricyclic is present in the range of from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the carrier and is applied in divided doses.
Inventor(s):	Bernstein; Joel E. (Deerfield, IL)
Assignee:
Application Number:	06/328,955
Patent Claims:	1. A method of treating pruritis in humans in need of such treatment comprising topically applying a therapeutically effective amount of doxepin or a physiologically acceptable acid addition salt thereof. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the doxepin or acid addition salt thereof is present in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier at a concentration of not less than about 0.1% by weight of the carrier. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the doxepin or the acid addition salt thereof is present in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier at a concentration in the range of from about 0.1% by weight to about 10% by weight of the carrier. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the doxepin or the acid addition salt thereof is present in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier at a concentration in the range of from about 0.5% by weight to about 5% by weight of the carrier. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the acid addition salt is selected from the class consisting of halides other than fluoride, acetate, valerate, and oleate. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the acid addition salt is doxepin hydrochloride and is present in the range of from 0.5% by weight to about 10% by weight of the carrier. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the carrier is an ointment or cream. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the carrier is an aqueous-alcohol solution. 9. A composition for treating pruritis comprising a carrier pharmaceutically acceptable for topical application to the skin containing a therapeutic amount of doxepin or a physiologically acceptable acid addition salt thereof. 10. The composition of claim 9, wherein the doxepin or acid addition salt thereof is present in the carrier at a concentration of not less than about 0.1% by weight of the carrier. 11. The composition of claim 9, wherein the doxepin or acid addition salt thereof is present in the carrier at a concentration in the range of between about 0.1% by weight and about 10% by weight of the carrier. 12. The composition of claim 9, wherein the doxepin or acid addition salt thereof is present in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier at a concentration in the range of from about 0.5% by weight to about 5% by weight of the carrier. 13. The composiition of claim 9, wherein the acid addition salt is selected from the class consisting of halides other than fluoride, acetate, valerate, and oleate. 14. The composition of claim 13, wherein the acid addition salt is doxepin hydrochloride and is present in the range of from 0.5% by weight to about 10% by weight of the carrier. 15. The composition of claim 9, wherein the carrier is an ointment or cream. 16. The composition of claim 9, wherein the carrier is an aqueous-alcohol solution.