Abstract: Polymorphic crystalline forms of the antihistaminic drug norastemizole are disclosed. Processes for the production of the preferred polymorph are also disclosed.

Abstract: Chemically and physically stable pharmaceutical formulations, of the potent antidepressant, fluoxetine, its enantiomers and salts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemically stable pharmaceutical formulations of the potent antihistamine, norastemizole. The compositions can include norastemizole, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; a diluent; a binder; a disintegrant; and a lubricant or the compositions can include particles of norastemizole, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, coated with an inert coating and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The present invention also relates to methods of treating allergic disorders.

Abstract: Stable pharmaceutical compositions of descarboethoxyloratadine (DCL), a metabolic derivative of loratadine, for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and other histamine-induced disorders are disclosed. The compositions are formulated to avoid the incompatibility between DCL and reactive excipients such as lactose and other mono- and di-saccharides. Disclosed compositions include lactose-free, non-hygroscopic and anhydrous stable pharmaceutical compositions of DCL.

Abstract: A method for preparing aerosols of water-sensitive medicaments and a pharmaceutical kit for aerosol administration are disclosed. The kit includes (a) a solid state open matrix network of a medicament in a first container; and (b) an aqueous vehicle in a second container. The first and second containers may be separate or they may be chambers within a single housing. The solid state network may be a unit dose of medicament, and the quantity of aqueous vehicle will then be that quantity needed to deliver one unit dose by aerosol; alternatively, the solid state network may contain a plurality of unit doses of medicament, in which case the quantity of aqueous vehicle will be that quantity needed to deliver the number of unit doses in the network. The kit may also include a metered dose nebulizer. A preferred medicament for use in the method is formoterol.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the preparation of optically pure isomers of formoterol by the reaction of an optically pure 4-benzyloxy-3-formamidostyrene oxide with an optically pure 4-methoxy-.alpha.-methyl-N-(phenylmethyl)benzeneethanamine followed by debenzylation. Useful intermediates in the process are also disclosed, as are the novel L-tartrate salt of R,R-formoterol and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.