Abstract: The present invention relates to an oral modified release pharmaceutical composition for the administration of a therapeutically and/or prophylactically effective amount of an active substance (a drug substance) to obtain a relatively fast or quick onset of the therapeutic and/or prophylactic effect. The drug substances contained in a modified release pharmaceutical composition according to the invention are suitably a drug substance which has a very low solubitity under acidic conditions, i.e. under conditions similar to those present in the stomach and/or drug substances which have a pKa value below about 5.5 such as in a range of from about 4 to about 5.

Abstract: The treatment of acute pain with a sufficient dosage by intranasal administration of fentanyl results in a time to onset of action comparable to intravenous administration and a significantly faster onset of action than nasal titration of fentanyl. The nasal administration of a sufficient amount of fentanyl to obtain pain relief has lower maximum plasma concentrations comparable to intravenous administration and results in lower rates of adverse events like respiratory depression, nausea and vomiting. Compositions for use in the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: New stable compositions comprising the combination of a topically active vasoconstrictor and a topically active anticholinergic drug are disclosed. Preferably, the composition comprises ipratropium or a salt thereof in combination with xylometazoline hydrochloride and a salt thereof. Upon topically administering such compositions to a nasal mucosa in individuals suffering from the common cold the symptoms of rhinorrhea are significantly reduced.