SYMPATHOMIMETIC COMPOUNDS

摘要

The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions which include a therapeutically effective amount of a stereoscopically-pure enantiomer of a compound of formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein R<1> is phenyl or cyclohexyl, unsubstituted or substituted with one to three hydroxyl groups at positions 3, 4 or 5, wherein R<1> is phenyl, cyclohexane, and phenyl or cyclohexane substituted with one to three hydroxyl groups; with the proviso that the enantiomer is not (-)-phenylephrine or an enantiomer of epinephrine. In a preferred embodiment the enantiomer is (+)-phenylephrine, wherein the (+)-phenylephrine is substantially free of (-)-phenylephrine. In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods of relieving nasal and bronchial congestion and of inducing pupil dilation which include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a stereoscopically-pure enantiomer of a compound of formula (I), for example, (+)-phenylephrine, to a mammal. When (+)-phenylephrine is used in the present methods, it is substantially free of (-)-phenylephrine. By employing pure enantiomers the present compositions and methods reduce many adverse side effects.