Abstract: Use of flunarizine, a calcium channel blocking agent known for use as cerebral and peripheral vasodilator, in the treatment of glaucoma by topical administration. Differently from other calcium channel blockers already tested for use as antiglaucoma agents, flunarizine is highly active in lowering the intraocular pressure when administered by the topical ophthalmic route. The invention also comprises anti-glaucoma preparations containing flunarizine, or combinations of flunarizine with beta-blockers such as timolol.

Abstract: The following description sets forth a process for producing rhein, diacerhein and other diacyl derivatives thereof, which comprises the following steps: treatment of a diphenylketone ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 is --OR', --NR'R", --SR', where R' and R" are H, an alkyl or aromatic group; R.sub.2 is H or a protective group, R.sub.3 is --OH or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, with an acid or superacid to give a 1-aminoanthraquinone derivative, diazotisation, replacement of the --NH.sub.2 group by --OH, optional removal of the protective group, and acylation.

Abstract: The present description relates to new anthraquinone-derivatives endowed with inhibitory activity of the serine proteinase enzymes, useful for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, acute respiratory syndrome of adult, and pulmonary emphysema, and to new processes for the preparation of rhein derivatives.

Abstract: Ophthalmic preparation for use as artificial tear containing hyaluronate as a viscosity thickener, preferably in the form of sodic salt and having a molecular weight of 500,000 to 4,000,000 daltons, at a concentration of 0.05 to 2% by weight, as well as the following minimum quantities of ionic species: 40 mmol/l sodium ion, 12 mmol/l potassium ion, 0.4 mmol/l calcium ion, 0.4 mmol/l magnesium ion, 50 mmol/l chloride ion, 7 mmol/l phosphate ion and, preferably, 0.7 mmol/l citrate ion. The formulation, which as an osmolarity of 140 to 280 mOsm/l, is useful for the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca and may be administered whenever the use of artifical tears is advisable, e.g. for the treatment of eye irritations caused by environmental conditions or contact lenses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of 1,8-diacetoxy-3-carboxyanthraquinone, also known as diacerein, via aloin acetylation, oxidation of the acetylated product, and purification of the raw diacerein obtained by means of crystallization from 2-methoxyethanol or N,N-dimethylacetamide and optionally by dissolution of the corresponding salt with triethylamine in methylene chloride, followed by removal of the insoluble residue.