TREATEMENT OF COLIC AND GUT SPASM IN HORSES AND OTHER VERTEBRATES

摘要

The present invention presents pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use of those compositions to treat colic in horses and other vertebrates, including humans. In a preferred embodiment, a first composition, made with an anti-spasmodic (such as dicyclomine), an analgesic, an anti-inflammatory, and an anxiolytic (such as alprazolam), is administered via rectal suppository or other route. In addition, an intestinal smooth muscle relaxant, or a nitric oxide donor may be used in the composition. Alternatively, a second composition is made of an analgesic and an anxiolytic, and, optionally, one or more components selected from an anti-spasmodic, an anti-inflammatory, an intestinal smooth muscle relaxant, and a nitric oxide donor. In another preferred embodiment, administration of the first composition is followed by administration of a second composition that is a laxative. Typically, the laxative is administered from about 10 minutes to about 2 hours after administration of the first composition, and preferably is by oral administration. Alternate anti-spasmodics, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and anxiolytics may be used beneficially as well. For non-spastic colics, the anti-spasmodic may be eliminated. The use of nitric oxide donors are particularly beneficial in necrotizing enterocolitis.