Use of organic buffering agents to enhance the antimicrobial activity of pharmaceutical compositions

摘要

The use of organic buffers to enhance the antimicrobial activity of aqueous pharmaceutical compositions is described. The buffers have tri-hydroxy functional groups and terminal acid groups, and are zwitterionic at physiological pH conditions. The most preferred buffer is tricine. The invention is particularly directed to the use of tricine to enhance the antimicrobial activity of ophthalmic compositions, such as solutions for disinfecting contact lenses and artificial tear compositions.