Method for treating gastric reflux

Abstract

Methods and compositions for treating gastric reflux or the pain associated therewith comprising orally administering therapeutically effective amounts of a compound or composition capable of releasing nitric oxide in a pharmaceutically acceptable composition are described herein.

Description

Claims

1. A method of treating pain, irritation, diseases and/or lesions in the mouth, esophagus, throat, or pharynx caused by or associated with gastric reflux, said method comprising orally administering in a suitable formulation, a composition or compound capable of releasing nitric oxide in the oropharyngeal cavity, in an amount sufficient to reduce said pain, irritation, diseases and/or lesions in the mouth, esophagus, throat, or pharynx.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said nitric oxide releasing compound comprises L-arginine.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said compound comprises L-arginine administered at a dosage in the range of 0.1 to 15 g per episode.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said compound comprises L-arginine administered at a dosage in the range of 0.1 to 5 g per episode.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said compound comprises L-arginine administered at a dosage in the range of 0.1 to 2.8 g per episode.

6. A composition for treating pain, irritation, diseases and/or lesions in the mouth, esophagus, throat, or pharynx, caused by or associated with gastric reflux, comprising from 0.1 to 99.9 percent by weight of L-arginine.

7. The composition of claim 6 wherein said composition comprises from 0.1 to 50 percent by weight of L-arginine,

8. The composition of claim 6 comprising additionally: from 0.1 to 50.0 percent by weight of a gum selected from the group consisting of alginate, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, carrageenan, konjac mannan and mixtures thereof.

9. The composition of claim 6 comprising additionally: (a) from 0.1 to 50.0 percent by weight of a gum selected from the group consisting of alginate, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, carrageenan, konjac mannan and mixtures thereof; and(b) from 0.1 to 50 percent by weight of an acid.

10. The composition of claim 6 in which the composition comprises: Water, 10-50%; Organic acid, 1-30%; L-Arginine, 1-50%; sweetener, 0.01-30%; Flavor, as required; Soybean Oil, 0.1-10%; Carrageenan, 1-50%.

11. A method of relieving the pain associated with irritation, diseases and/or lesions in the mouth, esophagus, throat, or pharynx caused by or associated with gastric reflux, said method comprising administering: a) said composition or compound of claim 1, andb) a pharmaceutical composition which causes gastrointestinal upset.

12. A method of relieving the pain associated with irritation, diseases and/or lesions in the mouth, esophagus, throat, or pharynx caused by or associated with gastric reflux, said method comprising administering: a) said composition or compound of claim 1, andb) a pharmaceutical composition which relieves gastrointestinal upset.