Treatment of dyspareunia with topically administered nitroglycerin formulations

摘要

Methods and formulations for treating dyspareunia are provided. A pharmaceutical composition formulated so as to contain a therapeutically effective amount of nitroglycerin is administered to the vagina or vulvar area of the individual undergoing treatment. Preferred formulations are immediate release formulations in which at least 80% of the nitroglycerin in the formulation is released therefrom within 4 hours following administration. The formulations may contain one or more additional active agents, e.g., agents that are also useful to treat dyspareunia and/or potentiate the action of nitroglycerin. Such additional agents include vasoactive agents such as prostaglandins, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, androgens such as testosterone, estrogens such as estradiol, and selective modulators of estrogen and androgen receptors. A kit for a patient to use in the self-administration of the formulation is also provided.