Abstract: Aldosterone biosynthesis inhibitors having substantially no intrinsic antiandrogenic activity are disclosed as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and methods of treatment utilizing these compositions.

Abstract: A multitude of non-tacky coated pellets containing a pharmaceutical preparation is housed within a breakable packet which, when broken, enables ready removal of the pellets for the oral administration of the preparation to a patient. The packet includes a bendable backing sheet and a fracturable covering member between which the pellets are held in a vacuum-sealed environment prior to use. The coating of the pellets also prevents dissolution of the preparation in the mouth to avoid the sensation of bitter medicinal taste.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient suffering from multiple sclerosis comprising daily administration to such patient of from about 1 to about 100 mg of a pure narcotic antagonist, e.g., nalmefene or naltrexone. The antagonist may be administered in divided doses from one to four times daily, preferably by the oral route. Parenteral, transmucosal and transdermal administration may be utilized where suitable.

Abstract: A method of treating human or animal patients suffering from mast cell-mediated dermatological disorders comprising the administration to the affected skin areas of a topical composition comprising from about 0.01 to about 10% by weight of the narcotic antagonist nalmefene or one of its salts or esters in a pharmaceutically inert topical vehicle. Compositions suitable for use in such methods include solutions, aerosols, creams, gels, ointments and lotions. The compositions may be applied to the affected areas from 1 to about 6 times daily.

Abstract: A method of treating patients suffering from allergic rhinitis comprises the topical administration to the nasal passages of such patients of a liquid solution containing from about 0.5 to about 10% by weight of the narcotic antagonist nalmefene or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The solution may be administered in spray form from a squeeze bottle or from a dropper. Administration of from about 10 to about 200 microliters of the solution into each nostril may be repeated from 1 to 5 times daily.

Abstract: A method of treating patients suffering from interstitial cystitis comprises daily administration to such patients of from about 1 to about 50 mg of the narcotic antagonists nalmefene or naltrexone. The nalmefene or naltrexone may be administered in equally divided doses from one to four times daily, preferably by the oral route. Parenteral administration may be utilized where suitable.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical dosage unit suitable for masking the unpleasant taste of orally administered pharmaceutical agents and which facilitates swallowing comprises a plurality of subdosage units disposed within a container. Each subdosage unit is a pellet with an inner core coated with an active pharmaceutical agent, a first layer surrounding the core comprising a biologically inert excipient or filler, and a second layer surrounding the first layer comprising a mixture of a cationic copolymeric acrylate resin and a basic compound. The container of the dosage unit may be orally ingestible in itself, such as an openable gelatin capsule, or may be a frangible packet which must be opened in order to orally administer the subdosage pellets to a patient.

Abstract: A method of inducing anesthesia or conscious sedation while avoiding serious hypotensive episodes comprising the administration of a parenterally active benzodiazpine in conjunction with an opiate analgesic followed by the parenteral administation of from about 1 to about 3 mg of a long-acting pure narcotic antagonist. The antogonist may be administered during the time interval commencing immediately prior to the procedure and continuing until about 3-5 hours after administration of the opiate-benzodiazepine combination.

Abstract: A method of treating a human or animal patient suffering from an arthritic disease or associated inflammatory disease comprises daily administration to such patient of from about 1 to about 100 mg of the narcotic antagonists nalmefene or naltrexone. The nalmefene or naltrexone may be administered in equally divided doses from one to four times daily, preferably by the oral route. Parental administration may be utilized where suitable.

Abstract: A method of treating a human or animal patient suffering from an autoimmune disease comprises daily administration to such patient of from about 1 to about 100 mg of the narcotic antagonists nalmefene or naltrexone. The nalmefene or naltrexone may be administered in equally divided doses from one to four times daily, preferably by the oral route. Parenteral administration may be utilized where suitable.