Compositions comprising substituted benzofuroquinolizine and psychoactive drug

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions for use in sedation and/or anesthesia, where the composition comprises MK-467 and a psychoactive drug selected from opioids, benzodiazepines, NMDA receptor antagonists and combinations thereof and the composition is administered using parenteral extravascular administration to a subject in need of sedation and/or anesthesia.

Claims

1. A syringe comprising a composition for use in sedation and/or anesthesia, wherein the composition comprises: 10-3000 μg/kg of MK-467; at least one a psychoactive drug selected from the group consisting of midazolam, zolazepam, diazepam, ketamine, tiletamine, dextromethorphan, and phencyclidine, at least one opioid selected from the group consisting of fentanyl, morphine, oxymorphine, buprenorphine, butorphanol tartrate, methadone, levomethadone, alfentanil, sufentanil, remifentanil, nalbuphine, pentazocine, oxymorphone, and hydromorphone, and at least one excipient or carrier.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the psychoactive drug is midazolam.

3. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the psychoactive drug is ketamine.

4. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises an α2-adrenoceptor agonist.

5. The composition according to claim 4, wherein the α2-adrenoceptor agonist is selected from the group consisting of medetomidine, dexmedetomidine, detomidine, romifidine, clonidine and xylazine.

6. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is administered to a subject to provide a dosage of 50-1500 μg/kg of MK-467 and 1-5000 μg/kg of the psychoactive drug.

7. The composition according to claim 4, wherein the composition is administered to a subject to provide a dosage of 1-5000 μg/kg of the psychoactive drug and 0.05-20000 μg/kg of the α2-adrenoceptor agonist.

8. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is a solution.

9. The composition according to claim 8, wherein the composition comprises 0.1-500 mg/ml of the psychoactive drug.

10. The composition according to claim 4, wherein the composition comprises 0.01-500 mg/ml of the α2-adrenoceptor agonist.

11. The composition according to claim 9, wherein the composition further comprises 0.01-100 mg/ml of an α2-adrenoceptor agonist.

12. A method for sedation and/or anesthesia, where a composition comprising of 10-3000 μg/kg MK-467 and a psychoactive drug selected from benzodiazepines selected from midazolam, zolazepam, and diazepam, NMDA receptor antagonists selected from ketamine, tiletamine, dextromethorphan, phencyclidine and methoxetamine and combinations thereof, is administered to a subject in need of anesthesia and/or sedation, using parenteral extravascular administration.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the benzodiazepine is midazolam.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the NMDA receptor antagonists is ketamine.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the composition further comprises a α2-adrenoceptor agonist.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the α2-adrenoceptor agonist is selected from medetomidine, dexmedetomidine, detomidine, romifidine, clonidine and xylazine.

17. The method according to claim 12, wherein the subject is selected from humans and animals, preferably from wild animals and domestic animals.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the animals are selected from vertebrates, preferably from mammals, fish, birds and reptiles.

19. The method according to claim 12, wherein the composition is administered to a subject to provide a dosage of 1-5000 μg/kg of MK-467 and 1-5000 μg/kg of the psychoactive drug.

20. The method according to claim 15, wherein the composition is administered to a subject to provide a dosage of 1-5000 μg/kg of MK-467, 1-5000 μg/kg of the psychoactive drug and 0.05-20000 μg/kg of the α2-adrenoceptor agonist.

21. The method according to claim 12, wherein the composition is selected from solutions for intramuscular use, intraperitoneal use and subcutaneous use; from gels, sprays, ointments, creams and patches for transdermal use; and from gels, ointments, creams, sprays and suppositories for transmucousal use.

22. The method according to claim 12, wherein the composition is a solution for intramuscular use, intraperitoneal use or subcutaneous use and it comprises 0.1-500 mg/ml of MK-467 and 0.1-500 mg/ml of the psychoactive drug.

23. The method according to claim 12, wherein the composition is a gel, spray, ointment, cream or patch for transdermal use and it comprises 0.1-1000 mg/ml of MK-467 and 0.1-500 mg/ml of the psychoactive drug.

24. The method according to claim 15, wherein the composition comprises 0.01-500 mg/ml of the α2-adrenoceptor agonist.

25. The method according to claim 12, wherein the composition is a gel, ointment, cream, spray or suppository for transmucousal use and it comprises 0.1-1000 mg/ml of MK-467 and 0.1-500 mg/ml of the psychoactive drug.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the composition comprises 0.01-100 mg/ml of the α2-adrenoceptor agonist.

27. A method for reversing the sedation caused by the method according to claim 12, further comprising administering an α2-adrenoceptor antagonist selected from a group consisting of idazoxan, tolazoline, yohimbine, rauwolskine, atipamezole, mirtazapine and (±)-2-methyl-1,2,3,4,10,14b-hexahydropyrazino[2,1-a]pyrido[2,3-c][2]benzazepine is administered to the subject.

28. A syringe consisting of a composition for use in sedation and/or anesthesia, wherein the composition consists of 10-3000 μg/kg of: MK-467; at least one a psychoactive drug selected from the group consisting of midazolam, zolazepam, diazepam, ketamine, tiletamine, dextromethorphan, and phencyclidine, and at least one excipient or carrier.

29. The composition according to claim 5, wherein the psychoactive drug is ketamine and the α2-adrenoceptor agonist is medetomidine.

30. The composition according to claim 29, wherein the composition further comprises 10-3000 μg/kg of methadone.

31. A syringe comprising a composition for use in sedation and/or anesthesia, wherein the composition comprises: 10-3000 μg/kg of MK-467; at least one a psychoactive drug selected from the group consisting of midazolam, zolazepam, diazepam, ketamine, tiletamine, dextromethorphan, and phencyclidine; 10-100 μg/kg of butorphanol tartrate, and at least one excipient or carrier.

32. A syringe comprising a composition for use in sedation and/or anesthesia, wherein the composition comprises 10-3000 μg/kg of: MK-467; medetomidine, butorphanol tartrate and midazolam, and at least one excipient or carrier.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 presents plasma butorphanol concentrations with and without MK-467, in the presence of medetomidine and midazolam, mixed in the same syringe.

(2) FIG. 2 presents plasma midazolam concentrations with and without MK-467, in the presence of medetomidine and butorphanol, mixed in the same syringe.

(3) FIG. 3 presents the visual sedation scores of compositions with and without MK-467.

(4) FIG. 4 presents the descriptive sedation scores of compositions with and without MK-467.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(5) It was surprisingly found that after parenteral extravascular administration of a composition comprising MK-467 and a psychoactive drug, to a subject in need of treatment, particularly sedation and/or anesthesia, the absorption rate and the speed of distribution of the psychoactive drug is increased. With the invention the development of sedative and/or anesthetic effect of the psychoactive drug was accelerated significantly, particularly that of an opioid even three fold and that of a benzodiazepine even four fold when compared with administration without MK-467.

(6) The “treatment” refers to sedation and/or anesthesia, and it includes tranquillization, immobilization, muscle relaxation, analgesia, and premedication.

(7) The active compounds (MK-467 and the psychoactive drug and the optional α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist) are administered using parenteral extravascular administration in one composition, locally, at the same time and to the same site of administration, whereby surprisingly fast absorption and distribution of the psychoactive drug and the optional α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist are achieved. MK-467 is effective after parenteral extravascular administration, when combined to a psychoactive drug, and with the optional α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist.

(8) The psychoactive drug is used for treating a mammal species for sedation and/or anesthesia, including tranquillization, immobilization, analgesia, and premedication. MK-467 acts as α.sub.2-adrenoceptor antagonist on post-synaptically located receptors on the vascular smooth muscle cells. The onset of sedation and/or anesthesia is enhanced or accelerated significantly.

(9) The composition is administered using parenteral extravascular administration, which is selected from administration by the intramuscular route (IM), intraperitoneal route (IP), subcutaneous route (SC), transdermal route, and transmucousal route.

(10) According to one preferable embodiment the composition comprises MK-467, psychoactive drug and α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist. The adverse effects of α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonists can be reduced or even avoided after parenteral extravascular administration of the composition to a subject. The vasodilatation effect of MK-467 is particularly pronounced when the composition comprises a α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist causing vasoconstriction. MK-467 has also vasodilating effect when the veins are constricted because of physiological or patopfysiological reasons.

(11) According to another preferable embodiment the composition comprises MK-467, psychoactive drug and α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist, where the psychoactive drug comprises an opioid and a benzodiazepine.

(12) According to another preferable embodiment the composition comprises MK-467, psychoactive drug and α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist, where the psychoactive drug comprises an opioid and a NMDA receptor antagonist.

(13) According to another preferable embodiment the composition comprises MK-467, psychoactive drug and α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist, where the psychoactive drug comprises a benzodiazepine and a NMDA receptor antagonist.

(14) According to another preferable embodiment the composition comprises MK-467, psychoactive drug and α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist, where the psychoactive drug comprises an opioid, a benzodiazepine and a NMDA receptor antagonist.

(15) MK-467 increases the absorption and distribution of the opioid, the benzodiazepine and the NMDA receptor antagonist, particularly when the composition also comprises the α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist. This can also be seen in the examples where the liquid composition comprising MK-467, butorphanol (opioid), midazolam (benzodiazepine) and medetomidine (α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist) was administered to dogs using parenteral extravascular administration.

(16) Maximum plasma concentration of butorphanol was reached after 10 min, whereas without MK-467 it took 30 min, and respective values for midazolam were 5 min and 20 min.

(17) It was further surprising that after parenteral extravascular administration of the composition, particularly the composition comprising MK-467, an opioid, a benzodiazepine and α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist, to a subject in need of treatment, particularly sedation and/or anesthesia, in addition to the increased absorption rate and speed of distribution of the opioid and benzodiazepine, the maximum plasma concentration of the opioid is increased 35% and the maximum plasma concentration of the benzodiazepine 57%.

(18) Particularly, in the veterinary medicine, the parenteral extravascular route of administration is the most commonly used and preferred route when administering analgesics and sedatives.

(19) By the composition of the invention the full effect of the psychoactive drugs is reached more rapidly, and the onset of sedation and/or anesthesia is enhanced or accelerated significantly. This can be seen also when the composition comprises additionally a α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist.

(20) A composition providing rapidly the desired effect on the subject, such as an animal, has an advantageous effect on the well-being of the subject, such as an animal because the total time needed for an operation etc. is reduced, and also the practitioner, such as the veterinarian can treat more patients. The treated patient, such as the animal can be released from clinic earlier because of the shortened treating time.

(21) MK-467 is also effective when used with other α.sub.2-adrenoceptor antagonists which are used to prevent and/or reverse the effects of any alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists in a subject, such as an animal. It was surprising found that effects of alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists (induced by the composition of the invention) can be rapidly reversed, after an operation or procedure is finished or it is desirable for another reason to reverse the effects, by administering the α.sub.2-adrenoceptor antagonists to the subject, preferably by IM administration.

(22) According to an embodiment the present invention is directed to a composition comprising MK-467 and a psychoactive drug selected from opioids, benzodiazepines, NMDA receptor antagonists and combinations thereof, for use in anesthesia and/or sedation, where the composition is administered using parenteral extravascular administration to a subject in need of anesthesia and/or sedation, whereby the onset of sedation and/or anesthesia is enhanced and/or facilitated.

(23) According to another embodiment the present invention relates to a method for anesthesia and/or sedation, where a composition comprising MK-467 and psychoactive drug selected from opioids, benzodiazepines, NMDA receptor antagonists and combinations thereof is administered to a subject in need of anesthesia and/or sedation, using parenteral extravascular administration.

(24) The present invention also relates to a method for enhancing and/or facilitating onset of sedation and/or anesthesia, where a composition comprising MK-467 and a psychoactive drug selected from opioids, benzodiazepines, NMDA receptor antagonists and combinations thereof is administered to the subject in need of sedation and/or anesthesia using parenteral extravascular administration.

(25) The invention also relates to the use of MK-467 for enhancing and/or facilitating onset of sedation and/or anesthesia, where a composition comprising MK-467 and a psychoactive drug selected from opioids, benzodiazepines, NMDA receptor antagonists and combinations thereof, is administered to a subject in need of sedation and/or anesthesia using parenteral extravascular administration.

(26) Sedation, particularly induced by the α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist can be conveniently reversed by administering α.sub.2-adrenoceptor antagonist to the subject.

(27) According to another embodiment the present invention is directed to a composition comprising MK-467 and a psychoactive drug and α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist for use in anesthesia and/or sedation, where the composition is administered using parenteral extravascular administration to a subject in need of anesthesia and/or sedation, and a α.sub.2-adrenoceptor antagonist is administered to the subject for use in reversing the anesthesia and/or sedation.

(28) The composition of the invention is administered to a subject to provide a prescribed or approved dosage of the psychoactive drug. The dosage of the psychoactive drug depends on compound which is used and on the subject which receives treatment. Any doses of the psychoactive drug which are used to treat humans or any domestic or wild animal species are suitable.

(29) The composition of the invention is administered to a subject to provide a prescribed or approved dosage of the α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist. The dosage of the α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist depends of compound which is used and on the subject which receives treatment. Any doses of the α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist which are used to treat humans or any domestic or wild animal species are suitable.

(30) The subject is selected from humans and animals. The animals are understood to mean vertebrate animal species selected from domestic animals and wild animals, including mammals, fish, birds, and reptiles. Examples of said animals are wild animals, animals kept is parks and zoos, laboratory animals, pets and livestock. The domestic animals include dogs, cats, rodents, reptiles, birds and other pets, horses, donkeys, pigs, ruminants including bovine animals, sheep and goats, poultry, fish etc.

(31) According to still another embodiment the present invention is directed to a method for enhancing and/or facilitating absorption and distribution of a psychoactive drug, where a composition comprising MK-467 and a psychoactive drug selected from opioids, benzodiazepines, NMDA receptor antagonists and combinations thereof is administered using parenteral extravascular administration to a subject in need of treatment.

(32) MK-467

(33) MK-467 refers here to a peripherally acting α.sub.2-adrenoceptor antagonist, known also by code as L-659,066. MK-467 has the following systematic chemical name N-[2-[(2R,12bS)-2′-oxospiro[1,3,4,6,7,12b-hexahydro-[1]benzofuro[2,3-a]quinolizine-2,5′-imidazolidine]-1′-yl]-ethyl]-methanesulfonamide (IUPAC). It is a spirocyclic substituted benzofuroquinolizine having the chemical formula I:

(34) ##STR00001##

(35) The composition of the invention is administered to a subject to provide a dosage of 1-5000 μg/kg of MK-467, preferably 10-3000 μg/kg of MK-467, particularly preferably 50-1500 μg/kg of MK-467.

(36) Psychoactive Drug

(37) The psychoactive drug is selected from opioids, benzodioazepines, NMDA receptor antagonists and any combinations thereof.

(38) The opioid is selected from fentanyl, morphine, oxymorphine, buprenorphine, butorphanol tartrate, methadone, levomethadone, alfentanil, sufentanil, remifentanil, nalbuphine, pentazocine, oxymorphone, hydromorphone, preferably from fentanyl, morphine, oxymorphine, buprenorphine and butorphanol tartrate.

(39) The benzodiazepine is selected from midazolam, zolazepam, and diazepam.

(40) The NMDA receptor antagonist is selected from ketamine, tiletamine, dextromethorphan, phencyclidine and methoxetamine, preferably ketamine.

(41) The dosage of the psychoactive drug is suitably in the range of 1-5000 μg/kg.

(42) The dosage of fentanyl is suitably 1-10 μg/kg

(43) The dosage of morphine is suitably 100-2000 μg/kg.

(44) The dosage of oxymorphine is suitably 10-2000 μg/kg.

(45) The dosage of buprenorphine is suitably 5-100 μg/kg.

(46) The dosage of butorphanol tartrate is suitably 10-1000 μg/kg

(47) The dosage of midazolam is suitably 50-5000 μg/kg.

(48) The dosage of diazepam is suitably 50-500 μg/kg.

(49) The dosage of zolazepam is suitably 100-20000 μg/kg.

(50) The dosage of ketamine is suitably 500-20000 μg/kg.

(51) The dosage of tiletamine is suitably 100-20000 μg/kg.

(52) α.sub.2-Adrenoceptor Agonist

(53) The α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist is selected from peripherally acting α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonists. Suitable α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonists are substituted imidazoles and substituted thiazines. Preferably the α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist is medetomidine ((RS)-4-[1-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)ethyl]-3H-imidazole of formula II), dexmedetomidine ((S)-4-[1-(2,3-Dimethylphenyl)ethyl]-3H-imidazole of formula III), detomidine (4-[(2,3-dimethylphenyl)methyl]-3H-imidazole of formula IV), romifidine (N(2-bromo-6-fluorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-amine of formula V, clonidine (N-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-amine of formula VI) or xylazine (N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-5,6-dihydro-4H-1,3-thiazin-2-amine of formula VII), which are all structurally similar to each other. Particularly preferably the α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist is detomidine, medetomidine, dexmedetomidine, romifidine or xylazine. Also any pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compounds may be used in the invention.

(54) ##STR00002##

(55) The dosage of the α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist is suitably in the range of 0.05-20000 μg/kg.

(56) The dosage of detomidine is suitably 0.1-5000 μg/kg, preferably 0.2-3000 μg/kg, particularly preferably 0.5-1000 μg/kg.

(57) The dosage of medetomidine is suitably 0.1-5000 μg/kg, preferably 0.2-3000 μg/kg, particularly preferably 0.5-1000 μg/kg.

(58) The dosage of dexmedetomidine is suitably 0.05-3000 μg/kg, preferably 0.1-2000 μg/kg, particularly preferably 0.1-1000 μg/kg.

(59) The dosage of romifidine is suitably 0.1-5000 μg/kg, preferably 0.2-3000 μg/kg, particularly preferably 0.5-1500 μg/kg.

(60) The dosage of clonidine is suitably 0.1-5000 μg/kg, preferably 0.2-3000 μg/kg, particularly preferably 0.5-1000 μg/kg.

(61) The dosage of xylazine is suitably 1-20000 μg/kg, preferably 10-10000 μg/kg, particularly preferably 50-5000 μg/kg.

(62) According to the invention the compounds MK-467, the psychoactive drug and the α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist are administered at the same time, in the same composition, to the same administration site of the subject, using parenteral extravascular administration.

(63) Preferably the administration of the composition is carried out by the intramuscular route (IM), intraperitoneal (IP), subcutaneous route (SC), transdermal route, or transmucousal route.

(64) Composition

(65) Examples of the compositions of the invention, for parenteral extravascular administration, comprise solutions for intramuscular use, intraperitoneal and subcutaneous use (IM, IP and SC solutions); gels, sprays, ointments, creams and patches for transdermal use (transdermal gels, sprays, ointments, creams and patches); and gels, ointments, creams, sprays and suppositories for transmucousal use (transmucousal gels, ointments, creams, sprays and suppositories). Transmucousal use includes here also sublingual and intravaginal administration.

(66) Solutions for intramuscular (IM), intraperitoneal (IP) and subcutaneous (SC) use (IM, IP or SC composition) may comprise saline or another physiologically acceptable aqueous medium, where MK-467, the psychoactive drug and the optional α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist are dissolved to desired concentrations. Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, such as solubility and stability enhancing agents and preservatives, known in the art may be added if necessary to the composition.

(67) For example, the IM, IP or SC composition may comprise 0.1-500 mg/ml of MK-467, 0.1-500 mg/ml of the psychoactive drug and 0.01-500 mg/ml of the optional α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist and a suitable preservative. Sterile solutions for intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous use may be packed in any vials, bottles, syringes etc. devices or containers known in the art.

(68) Compositions for transdermal use may comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, supports, MK-467, the psychoactive drug and the optional α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist in dissolved state in a pharmaceutically acceptable medium, and excipients, including preservatives known in the art, depending whether the compositions is in the form of a gel, spray, cream, ointment or patch etc.

(69) For example, the transdermal composition may comprise 0.1-1000 mg/ml of MK-467, 0.1-500 mg/ml of the psychoactive drug and 0.01-500 mg/ml of the optional α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist.

(70) Compositions for transmucousal use may comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, MK-467, the psychoactive drug and the optional α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist in dissolved state in a pharmaceutically acceptable medium, and excipients including preservatives known in the art, depending whether the compositions is in the form of a gel, spray, ointment or cream etc.

(71) For example a transmucousal composition may comprise 0.1-1000 mg/ml of MK-467, 0.1-500 mg/ml of the psychoactive drug and 0.01-100 mg/ml of the optional α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist.

(72) For example an oromucosal gel for sublingual use may comprise 0.1-1000 mg/ml of MK-467, 0.1-500 mg/ml of the psychoactive drug and 0.01-100 mg/ml of the optional α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist, dissolved in an aqueous carrier, optionally with solubility enhancing agent(s) and surfactant(s), where said composition is formed to a gel with a gelforming agent, such as hydroxypropylcellulose or the like.

(73) Reversing of Effects of α.sub.2-Adrenoceptor Agonist

(74) As a further advantage of the invention, when a α.sub.2-adrenoceptor antagonist, other than MK-467, was used for reversing the central and peripheral effects of the α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist after administration of the composition of the invention to a subject, such as an animal, the recovery of the subject takes place more smoothly and rapidly because MK-467 also enhances distribution and absorption of said α.sub.2-adrenoceptor antagonists, which in turn facilitates the elimination of the α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist.

(75) α.sub.2-adrenoceptor antagonists, other than MK-467, may be used for preventing and/or reversing the effects of α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonists. α.sub.2-adrenoceptor antagonists useful for reversing effects of substituted imidazoles and substituted thiazines are selected from a group consisting of idazoxan, tolazoline, yohimbine, rauwolskine, atipamezole, mirtazapine and (±)-2-methyl-1,2,3,4,10,14b-hexahydropyrazino[2,1-a]pyrido[2,3-c][2]benzazepine. In a preferable embodiment atipamezole is used.

(76) Said α.sub.2-adrenoceptor antagonists are administered using parenteral extravascular administration, suitably using IM, IP or SC administration. The dosage of the α.sub.2-adrenoceptor antagonists is generally from 10 to 1000 μg/kg, depending on the subject and the α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist used. Preferably IM administration is used.

(77) Atipamezole is a specific α.sub.2-adrenoceptor antagonist, which is used commonly for reversing the central and peripheral effects of medetomidine and dexmedetomidine in animals.

(78) The present invention provides several advantages to the subject and to the practitioner. The inventors have found that after parenteral extravascular administration of the composition comprising MK-467, the psychoactive drug and the optional α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist, to a subject, such as an animal, in need of sedation and/or anesthesia, the absorption rate and the speed of distribution of the psychoactive drug and the optional α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist is increased even four fold when compared with administration of the psychoactive drug and the α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist without MK-467. The onset of action of the psychoactive drug and the α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist, particularly the onset of sedation and/or anesthesia starts more rapidly as can be seen from the examples. Long waiting periods can be avoided as less time is needed before an operation or procedure can be started.

(79) Further, the effects of the optional α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist are reversed faster due to the improved distribution and absorption of α.sub.2-adrenoceptos antagonists. The subject (the animal) recovers more rapidly and long recovery periods after the operation or procedure can be avoided or at least decreased significantly.

(80) The wellbeing of the patient, such as an animal is improved because of less side-effects, easier administration, faster onset and recovery when sedatives are used and shorter and smoother visits to the practitioner, such as veterinarian. Also potential re-sedation after the reversing α.sub.2-adrenoceptor antagonist, such as atipamezole, induced recovery from sedation is inhibited by the invention and the composition comprising MK-467, the psychoactive drug and the α.sub.2-adrenoceptor agonist.

(81) More patients can be treated with a period of time because long waiting periods can be avoided both in the onset of sedation and recovery, which increases the productivity of the veterinarian and brings economic advantages.

(82) Further, as the onset of the sedation and/or anesthesia is faster, potentially dangerous animals can be sedated without unnecessary delay, which also increases the safety of the veterinarian.

EXAMPLES

(83) The invention will now be illustrated with the following examples and with reference to the drawings.

Example 1

(84) Plasma Concentrations of Butorphanol and Midazolam in Dogs after IM Administration of a Composition Comprising MK-467, Butorphanol, Midazolam and Medetomidine, Compared with Composition without MK-467

(85) A liquid aqueous composition comprising MK-467, butorphanol tartrate, midazolam and medetomidine was administered to a dog intramuscularly (IM) to provide a dosage of MK-467 500 μg/kg, butorphanol 100 μg/kg, midazolam 200 μg/kg and medetomidine 20 μg/kg. MK-467 enhanced and improved the absorption and distribution of butorphanol and midazolam, as well as medetomidine.

(86) Peak plasma concentration of butorphanol was 17 ng/ml in the presence of MK-467 and 11 ng/ml (200 μg/kg) without MK-467. The butorphanol peak plasma concentration was reached within 10 minutes from the IM administration with MK-467, and within 30 minutes without MK-467, respectively. Butorphanol plasma concentrations are presented graphically in FIG. 1.

(87) Peak plasma concentration of midazolam was 133 ng/ml in the presence of MK-467 and 71 ng/ml without MK-467. The midazolam peak plasma concentration was reached within 5 minutes from the IM administration with MK-467, and within 30 minutes without MK-467. Midazolam plasma concentrations are presented graphically in FIG. 2.

(88) Five purpose-bred, adult beagles were used for this study.

(89) Study design: A prospective, randomized, experimental cross-over study.

(90) Each dog was treated for two times with a 14-day wash-out period:

(91) Treatment 1. medetomidine (20 μg/kg)+butorphanol (100 μg/kg)+midazolam (0.2 mg/kg)

(92) Treatment 2. medetomidine (20 μg/kg)+MK-467 (MK) (500 μg/kg)+butorphanol (100 μg/kg)+midazolam (0.2 mg/kg).

(93) For treatment 1. 1 mL of medetomidine (Dorbene 1 mg/mL) was diluted with 1 mL of saline. For treatment 2. 25 mg of MK-467 was mixed with 1 mL of medetomidine, and 1 mL of saline was added. The mixture, butorphanol (Torpudor 10 mg/mL) and midazolam (Midazolam Hameln 5 mg/mL) were aspirated into a single syringe. The end volume of the injectable in both treatments was 0.09 mL/kg.

(94) Dog was positioned laterally and the drugs were injected IM into the epaxial muscle. Central venous blood was sampled into EDTA-tubes at 0, 3, 6, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 90 minutes after drug administration. The plasma concentrations were analyzed with LC/MS/MS for plasma concentrations of dexmedetomidine, midazolam and butorphanol.

(95) The level of sedation was assessed with both visual sedation score (VSS, analog scale of 0-100) presented in FIG. 3 and descriptive sedation score (0=no sedation; 1=can stand/walk, but ataxic; 2=recumbent, strong resistance to lateral positioning; 3=recumbent, allows lateral positioning, reacts to hand clap; 4=recumbent, no resistance to lateral positioning, does not react to hand clap) presented in FIG. 4. The scores were always assessed by the same, single person (blinded for the treatment) before and at 0, 3, 6, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 90 after the injection.

(96) Both FIGS. 3 and 4 confirm the faster onset of sedation when the composition contained MK-467.

Example 2

(97) Randomized Cross-Over Study in Sheep with Compositions Comprising Ketamine, Medetomidine and MK-467

(98) Study Design

(99) Each sheep (N=9) will get each of the following treatments with a randomized cross-over design; all drugs mixed in the same syringe and administered intramuscularly (IM) as follows: Medetomidine (30 μg/kg)+ketamine (1 mg/kg) Medetomidine (30 μg/kg)+ketamine (1 mg/kg)+MK-467 (150 μg/kg) Medetomidine (30 μg/kg)+ketamine (1 mg/kg)+MK-467 (300 μg/kg) Medetomidine (30 μg/kg)+ketamine (1 mg/kg)+MK-467 (600 μg/kg)

(100) Atipamezole (150 μg/kg IM) will be administered in each treatment at 60 minutes after the initial injection.

(101) Blood will be collected from the carotid artery at 3, 6, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50 and 90 minutes after the first injection, and plasma medetomidine and ketamine concentration will be analyzed with liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Maximum plasma concentration of ketamine and medetomidine (C.sub.max) and the time to maximum concentration (T.sub.max) will be calculated from the plasma drug concentration-time data.

(102) The present invention has been described herein with reference to specific embodiments. It is, however clear to those skilled in the art that the invention may be varied within the bounds of the claims.