| abstract |
The present invention provides a method for alleviating pain in a patient in need thereof by delivering (e.g., intrathecally or epidurally delivered) a volatile anesthetic dissolved in a solution comprising an extraction solvent, e.g., DMSO or NMP, in an effective amount of anesthetic Reduce pain. Chronic or acute pain may be treated, or the anesthetic may be delivered to the patient as a regional anesthetic to anesthetize a part of the patient prior to surgery. In particular embodiments, isoflurane, halothane, enflurane, sevoflurane, desflurane, methoxyflurane, or mixtures thereof may be used. Dosing regimens comprising one administration, continuous and/or periodic administration are contemplated. |