Use of Opioid Antagonists for the Preparation of a Medicament in the Treatment of Retinal Degenerative Diseases

摘要

Retinal degenerative diseases affect the delicate layer of retina tissue that lines the inside back of the eye leading to gradual vision loss. The use of opioid anatgonists for the preparation of a medicament for the selective blocking of the body's opioid receptors sites is a method of treating this human suffering by daily administration to the patient of from about 0.5 to about 10 mg of drugs such as naltrexone, naloxone or nalmefene. They act primarily by normalizing derangements in the human complement system that may occur in the disease etiology. Therapeutical approach for macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa is primarily intended. Oral, parenteral uses as well as topical applications may all be considered. They may be administered in one or divided doses daily for the best receptor blocking activity, preferably in the evening hours. Low Dose Naltrexone suitable for oral administration is most preferred regimen at about 4.5 mg/day.