Abstract: The present invention provides compound having the structure: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or derivatives thereof, as well as compositions including such compounds. The invention also provides methods of (1) preventing pain, (2) treating pain, (3) inducing sedation, (4) treating opiate addiction, (5) treating opiate withdrawal (abstinence syndrome) and/or (6) treating cough in a patient in need thereof by administering a compound or composition of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides compound having the structure: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or derivatives thereof, as well as compositions including such compounds. The invention also provides methods of (1) preventing pain, (2) treating pain, (3) inducing sedation, (4) treating opiate addiction, (5) treating opiate withdrawal (abstinence syndrome) and/or (6) treating cough in a patient in need thereof by administering a compound or composition of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides compound having the structure: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or derivatives thereof, as well as compositions including such compounds. The invention also provides methods of (1) preventing pain, (2) treating pain, (3) inducing sedation, (4) treating opiate addiction, (5) treating opiate withdrawal (abstinence syndrome) and/or (6) treating cough in a patient in need thereof by administering a compound or composition of the invention.

Abstract: Sustained release local anesthetic formulations are administered intra articularly and/or into body spaces/cavities. The formulation is preferably a plurality of injectable microparticles including a local anesthetic and an effective amount of a biocompatible, biodegradable, sustained release material prolonging the release of the local anesthetic and optionally and a pharmaceutically acceptable, i.e., non-toxic, augmenting agent effective to prolong the duration of the local anesthesia for a time period longer than that obtainable without the augmenting agent.

Abstract: Sustained release local anesthetic formulations are administered intra articularly and/or into body spaces/cavities. The formulation is preferably a plurality of injectable microparticles including a local anesthetic and an effective amount of a biocompatible, biodegradable, sustained release material prolonging the release of the local anesthetic and optionally and a pharmaceutically acceptable, i.e., non-toxic, augmenting agent effective to prolong the duration of the local anesthesia for a time period longer than that obtainable without the augmenting agent.

Abstract: A formulation for inducing sustained regional local anesthesia in a patient comprising a substrate comprising a local anesthetic and an effective amount of a biocompatible, biodegradable, controlled release material prolonging the release of the local anesthetic from the substrate to obtain a reversible local anesthesia when implanted or injected in a patient, and a non-toxic augmenting agent effective to prolong the duration of the local anesthesia for a time period longer than that obtainable from the substrate without the augmenting agent. In preferred embodiments, the controlled release material is a low molecular weight, acid-terminated polymer. A further aspect of the invention is directed to such formulations which release the local anesthetic in two phases, the first a rapid “bolus” to initiate anesthesia and a second, slower release to maintain anesthesia.

Abstract: Sustained release local anesthetic formulations are administered intra articularly and/or into body spaces/cavities. The formulation is preferably a plurality of injectable microparticles including a local anesthetic and an effective amount of a biocompatible, biodegradable, sustained release material prolonging the release of the local anesthetic and optionally and a pharmaceutically acceptable, i.e., non-toxic, augmenting agent effective to prolong the duration of the local anesthesia for a time period longer than that obtainable without the augmenting agent.

Abstract: Sustained release local anesthetic formulations are administered intra articularly and/or into body spaces/cavities. The formulation is preferably a plurality of injectable microparticles including a local anesthetic and an effective amount of a biocompatible, biodegradable, sustained release material prolonging the release of the local anesthetic and optionally and a pharmaceutically acceptable, i.e., non-toxic, augmenting agent effective to prolong the duration of the local anesthesia for a time period longer than that obtainable without the augmenting agent.