PSYCHOACTIVE DRUG

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compositions comprising a substituted benzofuroquinolizine known as MK-467 and a psychoactive d rug, for use in sedation and/or a nesthesia . The present invention also relates to a method for sedation and/or anesthesia using compositions comprising MK-467 and a psychoactive d rug for parenteral extravascular administration . The invention also relates to a method for enhancing onset of sedation and/or anesthesia by facilitating the absorption and distribution of psychoactive d rugs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Psychoactive d rugs, particularly opioids, benzodiazepines and NMDA receptor antagonists, such as ketamine are drugs, which are used in the medicine, particularly in the veterinary medicine in analgesia and sedation of animals, as well as in connection with anesthesia for improving the quality of anesthesia . Opioids typically used in animals are fentanyl, morphine, oxymorphine, buprenorphine and butorphanol tartrate. Diazepam, zolazepam, and midazolam are widely used benzodiazepines in veterinary use. Ketamine, tiletamine, dextromethorphan, phencyclidine and methoxetamine are examples of NMDA receptor antagonists, ketamine being commonly used particularly in the veterinary medici ne. Opioids, benzodiazepines and NM DA receptor antagonists, such as ketamine may be used alone or in combination with each other.

Opioids act by activating opioid receptors (morphine receptors) particularly at the dorsal horn of the spinal cord . As a result of the activation, mediation of the pain to brains is reduced and the sense of pain is attenuated . Opioids are primarily used for analgesia, including anesthesia .

Benzodiazepines reduce fear and anxiety, and they have muscle relaxing effects on striated muscles. Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABAA receptor complexes, where they bind to own benzodiazepine receptors and intensify the effect of GABA in brains, resulting in sedative, hypnotic (sleep- inducing), anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant properties. GABA is a mediating substance, reta rding the activity of nervous cells in the brains. Thus benzodiazepines cause general slowdown of the nervous pathways and reduction of anxiety. Ketamine is classified as an NMDA receptor antagonist, but it also acts on opioid receptors and monoamine transporters among others. Ketamine is mainly used for starting and maintaining anesthesia, but also in pain management and as a sedative.

Experimental compound MK-467 (known also as L-659,066) has been suggested for IV administration to attenuate the peripheral vascular effects of a2-adrenergic agonists. MK-467 passes the blood brain barrier poorly or not at all and its effects are directed solely to peripheral a2-adrenergic receptors outside the central nervous system.

Effects of MK-467 on the hemodynamic changes induced by medetomidine administration in conscious dogs were studied in Enouri S et al, AJVR, Vol 69, No 6, (2008) 728-736. 0.2 mg/kg of MK-467 was administrated IV as pretreatment, and ten minutes after the administration the dogs received 10 μg/kg dose of medetomidine. Premedication with MK-467 prior to sedation with medetomidine reduced negative cardiovascular alterations induced by medetomidine administration in dogs.

Pagel P et al, J. Cardiothor. Vase. Anaest., Vol 12, No 4, (1998) 429-434, describes premedication (IV) of dogs with 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg of MK-467, followed after 30 min by administration (IV) of 5 μg/kg dose of dexmedetomidine. MK-467 dose-dependently induced reduction in systemic vascular resistance coupled with an increase in heart rate and cardiac output, resulting in stable mean arterial pressures.

The effects of three doses of MK-467 (250, 500 and 750 μg/kg) in combination of 10 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine (IV) on bispectral index (BIS) and clinical sedation in dogs were evaluated in Restitutti F et al, Vet. Anaest. Analg. Vol 38, (2011) 415-422. BIS is used for monitoring sedation and loss of consciousness during anesthesia. Dexmedetomidine decreased BIS-values and MK-467 increased BIS-values especially with higher doses.

Influence of different doses of MK-467 on cardiovascular effects of dexmedetomidine in dogs were evaluated in Honkavaara J et al, J Vet. Pharmacol. Therap. (2011) 38, 332-337. Dexmedetomidine 10 μg/kg with 250, 500 or 750 μg/kg and MK-467 (IV) were used. MK-467 dose-dependently attenuated dexmedetomidine induced increase in systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure and the consequent reductions in heart rate and cardiac index.

Cardiopulmonary effects of MK-467 in dogs sedated with medetomidine and butorphanol via IV and IM administration was studied in Salla K et al, Vet. Anaest. Analg. (2014)41, 567-574. MK- 467 attenuated the cardiovascular effects of medetomidine-butorphanol combination after IV and IM administration. a2-adrenergic receptors are located on pre-junctional terminals in the central nervous system where they inhibit the release of norepinephrine in the form of negative feedback. They are further located post-synaptically on the vascular smooth muscle cells of certain blood vessels, such as those found in arterioles or on veins. The a2-adrenergic receptors bind both norepinephrine released by the sympathetic postganglionic fibers and epinephrine released by the adrenal medulla. Common effects of a2-adrenergic receptors include suppression of release of norepinephrine by negative feedback, transient hypertension followed by sustained hypotension, decrease in heart rate, vasoconstriction of certain arteries, venoconstriction of some veins, as well as decrease of the motility of the GI track by relaxing its smooth muscles, and sedation and analgesia. Agonists (activators) of the a2-adrenergic receptors are frequently used as sedatives and in the anesthesia where they affect sedation, muscle relaxation and analgesia through effects on the central nervous system (CNS).

Substituted imidazoles and substituted thiazines are a2-adrenergic receptor agonists used in the veterinary medicine in sedation, analgesia and premedication, and in humans for similar purposes in intensive care. The activation of a2-adrenergic receptors located outside the CNS, such as postsynaptically located receptors on the vascular smooth muscle cells, induces vasoconstriction resulting in hypertension and significantly reduced heart rate, whereby the oxygen delivery to tissues is reduced.

The effect of substituted imidazoles and substituted thiazines is based on the activation of presynaptic a2-adrenergic receptors located in brains, which causes sedation, analgesia, and decrease of level of consciousness and fear. Clonidine, romifidine, medetomidine, dexmedetomidine and detomidine are examples of such substituted imidazoles; xylazine is an example of substituted thiazines, useful as a2-adrenergic agonists.

Medetomidine, a rasemic mixture of dexmedetomidine and levomedetomidine, is a popular sedative and pre-anesthetic drug used in small animal practice. Medetomidine administration is associated with significant alterations in cardiovascular functions, such as dramatic increase in arterial blood pressure, in systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance, and in myocardial workload after IV administration. Further, reduction in heart rate and in cardiac output decrease global D02 (oxygen delivery) by at least 50%. Further adverse effects, such as vasoconstriction, bradycardia and decreased respiratory rate are typically caused by medetomidine. In some cases the level and quality of sedation and analgesia may not be sufficient and thus medetomidine may be combined with opioids, such as butorphanol, which has pure κ-agonist, partial μ-agonist and δ-agonist properties, with bentsodiazepines, such as midazolam, or with NMDA receptor antagonists, such as ketamine.

Dexmedetomidine, the pharmacologically active isomer of medetomidine, has similar side effects to medetomidine, such as vasoconstriction, acute (^-adrenoceptor agonist induced bradyarrhythmias and decreased respiratory rate. In animals, such as dogs, both dexmedetomidine and medetomidine produce dose dependent degree of sedation, higher doses will prolong the sedative effects.

Detomidine is a a2-adrenergic agonist producing dose-dependent sedative and analgesic effects. Due to inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system it also has cardiac and respiratory effects and an antidiuretic action. For example, after administration to a horse, short period of reduced coordination is characteristically followed by immobility and a firm stance with front legs spread. Following administration there is an initial increase in blood pressure, followed by sinus bradycardia, sinoatrial blocks and second degree atrioventricular blocks. The horse commonly sweats to excess, especially on the flanks and the neck.

Detomidine is typically used for sedation and anesthetic premedication in horses and other large animals, commonly combined with butorphanol, midazolam or diazepam for increased analgesia and depth of sedation. It may also be used in conjunction with ketamine for intravenous anesthesia of short duration. Several approaches have been studied to enhance and facilitate the onset of sedation and/or anesthesia while simultaneously minimizing the adverse effects, such as those of a2-adrenergic agonists, including the dose-dependency of the cardiovascular alterations and the effects of co-administration of anticholinergic agents. Intravenous administration of sedative drugs may be a challenge to fractious or uncooperative animals. Thus, in many cases it is preferable to administer sedatives intramuscularly.

Medetomidine is used as sedative or pre-medicament in small animal medicine, and it can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly and subcutaneously (SC). When compared to IV administration, in IM or SC administration of medetomidine it typically takes more time before the sedation of the animal is sufficient for starting the procedure, operation etc. due to the need of absorption of active ingredients to circulation. It takes more of the veterinary's time and less patients can be treated daily. The problem is similar with other substituted imidazoles and substituted thiazines. Rolfe et al, AJVR, 73(5), (2012) 587-94, describes the use 20 g/kg of medetomidine, IM, alone or concurrently with MK-467 (0.4 mg/kg, IM), and 10 μg of medetomidine/kg, IV, alone or concurrently with MK-467 (0.2 mg/kg, IV), in dogs in a randomized crossover study. Concurrent administration was carried out in separate syringes at different locations. Heart rate (HR), mixed-venous partial pressure of oxygen (Pvo(2)), and cardiac index (CI) were significantly lower and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), and oxygen extraction ratio (ER) were significantly higher after administration of medetomidine IM or IV, compared with baseline values. Administration of medetomidine and MK-467 IM caused a significantly higher heart rate, CI, and Pvo(2) and significantly lower MAP, SVR, and ER for 60 to 90 minutes than did IM administration of medetomidine alone. Administration of medetomidine and MK-467 IV caused a significantly higher CI and Pvo(2) and significantly lower MAP, SVR, and ER for 45 to 90 minutes than did IV administration of medetomidine alone. No significant difference in sedation was noticed.

Parenteral extravascular administration is commonly used in administration of psychoactive drugs, such as sedatives and anesthetic drugs in animals. However, it typically takes more time before the full sedative and/or anesthetic effect is reached than after IV route, which also increases the total time needed for carrying out the desired operation or procedure. Further, it also takes more time before the subject is recovered from the sedation or anesthesia.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a method for enhancing onset of sedation and/or anesthesia in a subject in need of treatment, such as sedation and/or anesthesia.

An object of the invention is to provide a method for facilitating onset of sedation and/or anesthesia in a subject in need of treatment, such as sedation and/or anesthesia. Another object of the invention is to provide use of MK-467 for enhancing and/or facilitating onset of sedation and/or anesthesia, after parenteral extravascular administration of a psychoactive drug to a subject in need of treatment, such as sedation and/or anesthesia. Another object of the invention is to provide compositions comprising MK-467 and a psychoactive drug for parenteral extravascular administration to a subject in need of treatment, such as sedation and/or anesthesia.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a method for enhancing and/or facilitating onset of sedation and/or anesthesia after parenteral extravascular administration of a psychoactive drug to a subject in need of treatment, such as sedation and/or anesthesia.

Still another object of the invention is to provide compositions comprising MK-467 and a psychoactive drug for parenteral extravascular administration to a subject in need of treatment, such as sedation and/or anesthesia, with improved efficacy and safety.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved method for inducing sedation and/or anesthesia to a subject, where the absorption and distribution of a psychoactive drug is enhanced and/or facilitated.

The present invention relates to the use of MK-467 for enhancing and/or facilitating onset of sedation and/or anesthesia, where a composition comprising MK-467 and a psychoactive drug selected from opioids, benzodiazepines, NMDA receptor antagonists and combinations thereof, is administered to a subject in need of sedation and/or anesthesia using parenteral extravascular administration.

Particularly the present invention relates to compositions comprising MK-467 and a psychoactive drug selected from opioids, benzodiazepines, NMDA receptor antagonists and combinations thereof, for use in sedation and/or anesthesia using parenteral extravascular administration to a subject in need of sedation and/or anesthesia, whereby the onset of sedation and/or anesthesia is enhanced and/or facilitated.

The present invention also relates to a method for sedation and/or anesthesia, where a composition comprising MK-467 and a psychoactive drug selected from opioids, benzodiazepines, NMDA receptor antagonists and combinations thereof, is administered to a subject in need of sedation and/or anesthesia, using parenteral extravascular administration.

Characteristic features of the invention are presented in the appended claims. DEFINITIONS

The term "anesthesia" refers here to an induced, temporary state with one or more of the following characteristics: analgesia (relief from or prevention of pain), immobility, paralysis (extreme muscle relaxation), amnesia (loss of memory), and unconciousness. The term "sedation" refers here to calming through effects on the central nervous system (CNS), and it includes here tranquillization, immobilization, muscle relaxation and analgesia.

The term "(^-adrenoceptor agonists" refers here to a2-adrenergic receptor agonists, which are used for affecting sedation. The term "psychoactive drug" means here opioids, benzodiazepines, NMDA receptor antagonists and combinations thereof, which are drugs used in the medicine in anesthesia, analgesia and sedation of mammals and vertebrates in general.

The term "NMDA receptor antagonist" refers here to a class of anesthetics that work to antagonize or inhibit the action of the /V-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). They are used as anesthetics for animals and for humans; the state of anesthesia they induce is referred to as dissociative anesthesia.

The term "a2-adrenoceptos antagonist" refers here to compounds useful in the prevention and/or reversing the effects of (^-adrenoceptor agonists.

The expression "parenteral extravascular administration" refers here to administration by the intramuscular route (IM), subcutaneous route (SC), transdermal route, transmucousal route, and intraperitoneal route (IP).

The expression "subject" refers here to humans and animals.

The expression "intramuscular route" refers here to administration of the substance into a muscle, typically using injections.

The expression "subcutaneous route" refers here to administration of the substance into the subcutis, which is the layer of skin directly below the dermis and epidermis, typically using injections.

The expression "transdermal route" refers here to administration of a substance by diffusion through the intact skin, typically using transdermal patches, gels, sprays etc. The expression "transmucousal route" refers here to administration of the substance by diffusion through a mucous membrane, typically as sublingual, sublabial, buccal, rectal, pulmonary or intravaginal preparations.

The expression "intraperitoneal route" refers here to administration of the substance into a coelom, such as abdomen, typically using injections. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 presents plasma butorphanol concentrations with and without MK-467, in the presence of medetomidine and midazolam, mixed in the same syringe.

Figure 2 presents plasma midazolam concentrations with and without MK-467, in the presence of medetomidine and butorphanol, mixed in the same syringe.

Figure 3 presents the visual sedation scores of compositions with and without MK-467.

Figure 4 presents the descriptive sedation scores of compositions with and without MK-467.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It was surprisingly found that after parenteral extravascular administration of a composition comprising MK-467 and a psychoactive drug, to a subject in need of treatment, particularly sedation and/or anesthesia, the absorption rate and the speed of distribution of the psychoactive drug is increased. With the invention the development of sedative and/or anesthetic effect of the psychoactive drug was accelerated significantly, particularly that of an opioid even three fold and that of a benzodiazepine even four fold when compared with administration without MK-467. The "treatment" refers to sedation and/or anesthesia, and it includes tranquillization, immobilization, muscle relaxation, analgesia, and premedication.

The active compounds (MK-467 and the psychoactive drug and the optional (^-adrenoceptor agonist) are administered using parenteral extravascular administration in one composition, locally, at the same time and to the same site of administration, whereby surprisingly fast absorption and distribution of the psychoactive drug and the optional (^-adrenoceptor agonist are achieved. MK-467 is effective after parenteral extravascular administration, when combined to a psychoactive drug, and with the optional (^-adrenoceptor agonist. The psychoactive drug is used for treating a mammal species for sedation and/or anesthesia, including tranquillization, immobilization, analgesia, and premedication. MK-467 acts as Q - adrenoceptor antagonist on post-synaptically located receptors on the vascular smooth muscle cells. The onset of sedation and/or anesthesia is enhanced or accelerated significantly.

The composition is administered using parenteral extravascular administration, which is selected from administration by the intramuscular route (IM), intraperitoneal route (IP), subcutaneous route (SC), transdermal route, and transmucousal route.

According to one preferable embodiment the composition comprises MK-467, psychoactive drug and (^-adrenoceptor agonist. The adverse effects of (^-adrenoceptor agonists can be reduced or even avoided after parenteral extravascular administration of the composition to a subject. The vasodilatation effect of MK-467 is particularly pronounced when the composition comprises a (^-adrenoceptor agonist causing vasoconstriction. MK-467 has also vasodilating effect when the veins are constricted because of physiological or patopfysiological reasons.

According to another preferable embodiment the composition comprises MK-467, psychoactive drug and (^-adrenoceptor agonist, where the psychoactive drug comprises an opioid and a benzodiazepine.

According to another preferable embodiment the composition comprises MK-467, psychoactive drug and (^-adrenoceptor agonist, where the psychoactive drug comprises an opioid and a NMDA receptor antagonist.

According to another preferable embodiment the composition comprises MK-467, psychoactive drug and (^-adrenoceptor agonist, where the psychoactive drug comprises a benzodiazepine and a NMDA receptor antagonist.

According to another preferable embodiment the composition comprises MK-467, psychoactive drug and (^-adrenoceptor agonist, where the psychoactive drug comprises an opioid, a benzodiazepine and a NMDA receptor antagonist. MK-467 increases the absorption and distribution of the opioid, the benzodiazepine and the NMDA receptor antagonist, particularly when the composition also comprises the Q - adrenoceptor agonist. This can also be seen in the examples where the liquid composition comprising MK-467, butorphanol (opioid), midazolam (benzodiazepine) and medetomidine {Q - adrenoceptor agonist) was administered to dogs using parenteral extravascular administration. Maximum plasma concentration of butorphanol was reached after 10 min, whereas without MK- 467 it took 30 min, and respective values for midazolam were 5 min and 20 min.

It was further surprising that after parenteral extravascular administration of the composition, particularly the composition comprising MK-467, an opioid, a benzodiazepine and Q - adrenoceptor agonist, to a subject in need of treatment, particularly sedation and/or anesthesia, in addition to the increased absorption rate and speed of distribution of the opioid and benzodiazepine, the maximum plasma concentration of the opioid is increased 35 % and the maximum plasma concentration of the benzodiazepine 57 %. Particularly, in the veterinary medicine, the parenteral extravascular route of administration is the most commonly used and preferred route when administering analgesics and sedatives.

By the composition of the invention the full effect of the psychoactive drugs is reached more rapidly, and the onset of sedation and/or anesthesia is enhanced or accelerated significantly. This can be seen also when the composition comprises additionally a (^-adrenoceptor agonist.

A composition providing rapidly the desired effect on the subject, such as an animal, has an advantageous effect on the well-being of the subject, such as an animal because the total time needed for an operation etc. is reduced, and also the practitioner, such as the veterinarian can treat more patients. The treated patient, such as the animal can be released from clinic earlier because of the shortened treating time.

MK-467 is also effective when used with other (^-adrenoceptor antagonists which are used to prevent and/or reverse the effects of any alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists in a subject, such as an animal. It was surprising found that effects of alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists (induced by the composition of the invention) can be rapidly reversed, after an operation or procedure is finished or it is desirable for another reason to reverse the effects, by administering the Q - adrenoceptor antagonists to the subject, preferably by IM administration. According to an embodiment the present invention is directed to a composition comprising MK- 467 and a psychoactive drug selected from opioids, benzodiazepines, NMDA receptor antagonists and combinations thereof, for use in anesthesia and/or sedation, where the composition is administered using parenteral extravascular administration to a subject in need of anesthesia and/or sedation, whereby the onset of sedation and/or anesthesia is enhanced and/or facilitated. According to another embodiment the present invention relates to a method for anesthesia and/or sedation, where a composition comprising MK-467 and psychoactive drug selected from opioids, benzodiazepines, NMDA receptor antagonists and combinations thereof is administered to a subject in need of anesthesia and/or sedation, using parenteral extravascular administration.

The present invention also relates to a method for enhancing and/or facilitating onset of sedation and/or anesthesia, where a composition comprising MK-467 and a psychoactive drug selected from opioids, benzodiazepines, NMDA receptor antagonists and combinations thereof is administered to the subject in need of sedation and/or anesthesia using parenteral extravascular administration.

The invention also relates to the use of MK-467 for enhancing and/or facilitating onset of sedation and/or anesthesia, where a composition comprising MK-467 and a psychoactive drug selected from opioids, benzodiazepines, NMDA receptor antagonists and combinations thereof, is administered to a subject in need of sedation and/or anesthesia using parenteral extravascular administration.

Sedation, particularly induced by the (^-adrenoceptor agonist can be conveniently reversed by administering (^-adrenoceptor antagonist to the subject.

According to another embodiment the present invention is directed to a composition comprising MK-467 and a psychoactive drug and (^-adrenoceptor agonist for use in anesthesia and/or sedation, where the composition is administered using parenteral extravascular administration to a subject in need of anesthesia and/or sedation, and a (^-adrenoceptor antagonist is administered to the subject for use in reversing the anesthesia and/or sedation.

The composition of the invention is administered to a subject to provide a prescribed or approved dosage of the psychoactive drug. The dosage of the psychoactive drug depends on compound which is used and on the subject which receives treatment. Any doses of the psychoactive drug which are used to treat humans or any domestic or wild animal species are suitable.

The composition of the invention is administered to a subject to provide a prescribed or approved dosage of the (^-adrenoceptor agonist. The dosage of the (^-adrenoceptor agonist depends of compound which is used and on the subject which receives treatment. Any doses of the (^-adrenoceptor agonist which are used to treat humans or any domestic or wild animal species are suitable.

The subject is selected from humans and animals. The animals are understood to mean vertebrate animal species selected from domestic animals and wild animals, including mammals, fish, birds, and reptiles. Examples of said animals are wild animals, animals kept is parks and zoos, laboratory animals, pets and livestock. The domestic animals include dogs, cats, rodents, reptiles, birds and other pets, horses, donkeys, pigs, ruminants including bovine animals, sheep and goats, poultry, fish etc. According to still another embodiment the present invention is directed to a method for enhancing and/or facilitating absorption and distribution of a psychoactive drug, where a composition comprising MK-467 and a psychoactive drug selected from opioids, benzodiazepines, NMDA receptor antagonists and combinations thereof is administered using parenteral extravascular administration to a subject in need of treatment.

MK-467

MK-467 refers here to a peripherally acting (^-adrenoceptor antagonist, known also by code as L-659,066. MK-467 has the following systematic chemical name N-[2-[(2R,12bS)-2'- oxospi ro[ 1,3, 4,6,7, 12b-hexa hydro- [ l]benzofuro[2, 3-a]quinolizi ne-2,5'-imidazolid ine]-l'-yl] - ethyl]-methanesulfonamide (IUPAC). It is a spirocyclic substituted benzofuroquinolizine having the chemical formula I:

The composition of the invention is administered to a subject to provide a dosage of 1-5000 μg/kg of MK-467, preferably 10-3000 ig/kg of MK-467, particularly preferably 50-1500 ig/kg of MK-467.

Psychoactive drug

The psychoactive drug is selected from opioids, benzodioazepines, NMDA receptor antagonists and any combinations thereof. The opioid is selected from fentanyl, morphine, oxymorphine, buprenorphine, butorphanol tartrate, methadone, levomethadone, alfentanil, sufentanil, remifentanil, nalbuphine, pentazocine, oxymorphone, hydromorphone, preferably from fentanyl, morphine, oxymorphine, buprenorphine and butorphanol tartrate.

The benzodiazepine is selected from midazolam, zolazepam, and diazepam.

The NMDA receptor antagonist is selected from ketamine, tiletamine, dextromethorphan, phencyclidine and methoxetamine, preferably ketamine.

The dosage of the psychoactive drug is suitably in the range of 1-5000 μg/kg. The dosage of fentanyl is suitably 1-10 μg/kg The dosage of morphine is suitably 100-2000 μg/kg. The dosage of oxymorphine is suitably 10-2000 μg/kg. The dosage of buprenorphine is suitably 5-100 μg/kg .

The dosage of butorphanol tartrate is suitably 10-1000 μg/kg The dosage of midazolam is suitably 50-5000 μg/kg. The dosage of diazepam is suitably 50-500 μg/kg.

The dosage of zolazepam is suitably 100-20000 μg/kg. The dosage of ketamine is suitably 500-20000 μg/kg.

The dosage of tiletamine is suitablylOO-20000 μg/kg . ci2-adrenoceptor agonist

The (^-adrenoceptor agonist is selected from peripherally acting (^-adrenoceptor agonists. Suitable (^-adrenoceptor agonists are substituted imidazoles and substituted thiazines. Preferably the (^-adrenoceptor agonist is medetomidine ((RS)-4-[ l-(2,3- dimethylphenyl)ethyl]-3/-/-imidazole of formula II), dexmedetomidine ((S)-4-[ l-(2,3- Dimethylphenyl)ethyl]-3/-/-imidazole of formula III), detomidine (4-[(2,3- dimethylphenyl)methyl]-3/-/-imidazole of formula IV), romifidine (N(2-bromo-6-fluorophenyl)- 4,5-dihydro-lH-imidazol-2-amine of formula V, clonidine (N-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro- lH-imidazol-2-amine of formula VI) or xylazine (N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-5,6-dihydro-4H-l,3- thiazin-2-amine of formula VII), which are all structurally similar to each other. Particularly preferably the (^-adrenoceptor agonist is detomidine, medetomidine, dexmedetomidine, romifidine or xylazine. Also any pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compounds may be used in the invention.

VII

The dosage of the a 2-adrenoceptor agonist is suitably in the range of 0.05-20000 μg/kg.

The dosage of detomidine is suitably 0.1-5000 g/kg, preferably 0.2-3000 [ig/kg, particularly preferably 0.5-1000 vg/kg .

The dosage of medetomidine is suitably 0.1-5000 [ig/kg, preferably 0.2-3000 g/kg, particularly preferably 0.5-1000 μg/kg. The dosage of dexmedetomidine is suitably 0.05-3000 g/kg, preferably 0.1-2000 g/kg, particularly preferably 0.1-1000 μg/kg.

The dosage of romifidine is suitably 0.1-5000 g/kg, preferably 0.2-3000 g/kg, particularly preferably 0.5-1500 vg/kg .

The dosage of clonidine is suitably 0.1-5000 g/kg, preferably 0.2-3000 g/kg, particularly preferably 0.5-1000 vg/kg .

The dosage of xylazine is suitably 1-20000 g/kg, preferably 10-10000 g/kg, particularly preferably 50-5000 vg/kg .

According to the invention the compounds MK-467, the psychoactive drug and the Q - adrenoceptor agonist are administered at the same time, in the same composition, to the same administration site of the subject, using parenteral extravascular administration.

Preferably the administration of the composition is carried out by the intramuscular route (IM), intraperitoneal (IP), subcutaneous route (SC), transdermal route, or transmucousal route.

Composition

Examples of the compositions of the invention, for parenteral extravascular administration, comprise solutions for intramuscular use, intraperitoneal and subcutaneous use (IM, IP and SC solutions); gels, sprays, ointments, creams and patches for transdermal use (transdermal gels, sprays, ointments, creams and patches); and gels, ointments, creams, sprays and suppositories for transmucousal use (transmucousal gels, ointments, creams, sprays and suppositories). Transmucousal use includes here also sublingual and intravaginal administration.

Solutions for intramuscular (IM), intraperitoneal (IP) and subcutaneous (SC) use (IM, IP or SC composition) may comprise saline or another physiologically acceptable aqueous medium, where MK-467, the psychoactive drug and the optional (^-adrenoceptor agonist are dissolved to desired concentrations. Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, such as solubility and stability enhancing agents and preservatives, known in the art may be added if necessary to the composition.

For example, the IM, IP or SC composition may comprise 0.1-500 mg/ml of MK-467, 0.1-500 mg/ml of the psychoactive drug and 0.01-500 mg/ml of the optional (^-adrenoceptor agonist and a suitable preservative. Sterile solutions for intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous use may be packed in any vials, bottles, syringes etc. devices or containers known in the art.

Compositions for transdermal use may comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, supports, MK-467, the psychoactive drug and the optional (^-adrenoceptor agonist in dissolved state in a pharmaceutically acceptable medium, and excipients, including preservatives known in the art, depending whether the compositions is in the form of a gel, spray, cream, ointment or patch etc.

For example, the transdermal composition may comprise 0.1-1000 mg/ml of MK-467, 0.1-500 mg/ml of the psychoactive drug and 0.01-500 mg/ml of the optional (^-adrenoceptor agonist.

Compositions for transmucousal use may comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, MK-467, the psychoactive drug and the optional (^-adrenoceptor agonist in dissolved state in a pharmaceutically acceptable medium, and excipients including preservatives known in the art, depending whether the compositions is in the form of a gel, spray, ointment or cream etc.

For example a transmucousal composition may comprise 0.1-1000 mg/ml of MK-467, 0.1-500 mg/ml of the psychoactive drug and 0.01-100 mg/ml of the optional (^-adrenoceptor agonist. For example an oromucosal gel for sublingual use may comprise 0.1-1000 mg/ml of MK-467, 0.1-500 mg/ml of the psychoactive drug and 0.01-100 mg/ml of the optional (^-adrenoceptor agonist, dissolved in an aqueous carrier, optionally with solubility enhancing agent(s) and surfactant(s), where said composition is formed to a gel with a gelforming agent, such as hydroxypropylcellulose or the like.

Reversing of effects of ci2-adrenoceptor agonist

As a further advantage of the invention, when a (^-adrenoceptor antagonist, other than MK- 467, was used for reversing the central and peripheral effects of the (^-adrenoceptor agonist after administration of the composition of the invention to a subject, such as an animal, the recovery of the subject takes place more smoothly and rapidly because MK-467 also enhances distribution and absorption of said (^-adrenoceptor antagonists, which in turn facilitates the elimination of the (^-adrenoceptor agonist.

(^-adrenoceptor antagonists, other than MK-467, may be used for preventing and/or reversing the effects of (^-adrenoceptor agonists, (^-adrenoceptor antagonists useful for reversing effects of substituted imidazoles and substituted thiazines are selected from a group consisting of idazoxan, tolazoline, yohimbine, rauwolskine, atipamezole, mirtazapine and (±)-2-methyl- l,2,3,4,10,14b-hexahydropyrazino[2,l-a]pyrido[2,3-c][2]benza zepine. In a preferable embodiment atipamezole is used.

Said (^-adrenoceptor antagonists are administered using parenteral extravascular administration, suitably using IM, IP or SC administration. The dosage of the (^-adrenoceptor antagonists is generally from 10 to 1000 g/kg, depending on the subject and the Q - adrenoceptor agonist used. Preferably IM administration is used.

Atipamezole is a specific (^-adrenoceptor antagonist, which is used commonly for reversing the central and peripheral effects of medetomidine and dexmedetomidine in animals.

The present invention provides several advantages to the subject and to the practitioner. The inventors have found that after parenteral extravascular administration of the composition comprising MK-467, the psychoactive drug and the optional (^-adrenoceptor agonist, to a subject, such as an animal, in need of sedation and/or anesthesia, the absorption rate and the speed of distribution of the psychoactive drug and the optional (^-adrenoceptor agonist is increased even four fold when compared with administration of the psychoactive drug and the (^-adrenoceptor agonist without MK-467. The onset of action of the psychoactive drug and the (^-adrenoceptor agonist, particularly the onset of sedation and/or anesthesia starts more rapidly as can be seen from the examples. Long waiting periods can be avoided as less time is needed before an operation or procedure can be started.

Further, the effects of the optional (^-adrenoceptor agonist are reversed faster due to the improved distribution and absorption of a2-adrenoceptos antagonists. The subject (the animal) recovers more rapidly and long recovery periods after the operation or procedure can be avoided or at least decreased significantly.

The wellbeing of the patient, such as an animal is improved because of less side-effects, easier administration, faster onset and recovery when sedatives are used and shorter and smoother visits to the practitioner, such as veterinarian. Also potential re-sedation after the reversing Q - adrenoceptor antagonist, such as atipamezole, induced recovery from sedation is inhibited by the invention and the composition comprising MK-467, the psychoactive drug and the Q - adrenoceptor agonist. More patients can be treated with a period of time because long waiting periods can be avoided both in the onset of sedation and recovery, which increases the productivity of the veterinarian and brings economic advantages.

Further, as the onset of the sedation and/or anesthesia is faster, potentially dangerous animals can be sedated without unnecessary delay, which also increases the safety of the veterinarian.

Examples

The invention will now be illustrated with the following examples and with reference to the drawings.

Example 1

Plasma concentrations of butorphanol and midazolam in dogs after IM administration of a composition comprising MK-467, butorphanol, midazolam and medetomidine, compared with composition without MK-467

A liquid aqueous composition comprising MK-467, butorphanol tartrate, midazolam and medetomidine was administered to a dog intramuscularly (IM) to provide a dosage of MK-467 500 g/kg, butorphanol 100 g/kg, midazolam 200 μg/kg and medetomidine 20 μg/kg. MK- 467 enhanced and improved the absorption and distribution of butorphanol and midazolam, as well as medetomidine. Peak plasma concentration of butorphanol was 17 ng/ml in the presence of MK-467 and 11 ng/ml (200 Mg/kg) without MK-467. The butorphanol peak plasma concentration was reached within 10 minutes from the IM administration with MK-467, and within 30 minutes without MK- 467, respectively. Butorphanol plasma concentrations are presented graphically in Fig. 1. Peak plasma concentration of midazolam was 133 ng/ml in the presence of MK-467 and 71 ng/ml without MK-467. The midazolam peak plasma concentration was reached within 5 minutes from the IM administration with MK-467, and within 30 minutes without MK-467. Midazolam plasma concentrations are presented graphically in Fig. 2. Five purpose-bred, adult beagles were used for this study.

Study design : A prospective, randomized, experimental cross-over study.

Each dog was treated for two times with a 14-day wash-out period : Treatment 1. medetomidine (20 g/kg) + butorphanol (100 g/kg) + midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) Treatment 2. medetomidine (20 Mg/kg) + MK-467 (MK) (500 Mg/kg) + butorphanol (100 Mg/kg) + midazolam (0.2 mg/kg).

For treatment 1. 1 mL of medetomidine (Dorbene 1 mg/mL) was diluted with 1 mL of saline. For treatment 2. 25 mg of MK-467 was mixed with 1 mL of medetomidine, and 1 mL of saline was added. The mixture, butorphanol (Torpudor 10 mg/mL) and midazolam (Midazolam Hameln 5 mg/mL) were aspirated into a single syringe. The end volume of the injectable in both treatments was 0.09 mL/kg. Dog was positioned laterally and the drugs were injected IM into the epaxial muscle. Central venous blood was sampled into EDTA-tubes at 0, 3, 6, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 90 minutes after drug administration. The plasma concentrations were analyzed with LC/MS/MS for plasma concentrations of dexmedetomidine, midazolam and butorphanol. The level of sedation was assessed with both visual sedation score (VSS, analog scale of 0- 100) presesnted in Figure 3 and descriptive sedation score (0= no sedation; 1= can stand / walk, but ataxic; 2= recumbent, strong resistance to lateral positioning; 3= recumbent, allows lateral positioning, reacts to hand clap; 4=recumbent, no resistance to lateral positioning, does not react to hand clap) presented in Figure 4. The scores were always assessed by the same, single person (blinded for the treatment) before and at 0, 3, 6, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 90 after the injection. Both Figures 3 and 4 confirm the faster onset of sedation when the composition contained MK- 467.

Example 2

Randomized cross-over study in sheep with compositions comprising ketamine, medetomidine and MK-467

Study design

Each sheep (Λ/=9) will get each of the following treatments with a randomized cross-over design; all drugs mixed in the same syringe and administered intramuscularly (IM) as follows:

• Medetomidine (30 g/kg) + ketamine (1 mg/kg)

• Medetomidine (30 Mg/kg) + ketamine (1 mg/kg) + MK-467 (150 Mg/kg)

• Medetomidine (30 Mg/kg) + ketamine (1 mg/kg) + MK-467 (300 Mg/kg)

• Medetomidine (30 M9/kg) + ketamine (1 mg/kg) + MK-467 (600 M9/kg)

Atipamezole (150 M9/kg IM) will be administered in each treatment at 60 minutes after the initial injection.

Blood will be collected from the carotid artery at 3, 6, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50 and 90 minutes after the first injection, and plasma medetomidine and ketamine concentration will be analyzed with liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Maximum plasma concentration of ketamine and medetomidine (Cmax) and the time to maximum concentration (Tmax) will be calculated from the plasma drug concentration-time data. The present invention has been described herein with reference to specific embodiments. It is, however clear to those skilled in the art that the invention may be varied within the bounds of the claims.