| abstract |
This invention relates to the use of water-soluble zinc salts as anti-viral agents in condom lubricants. Such zinc-containing anti-viral lubricants can be coated onto condoms during manufacture and enclosed in sealed watertight packages containing the lubricated condoms. Preferred lubricants contain at least one water-soluble lubricating agent, such as glycerin or polyethylene glycol, and a suitable zinc salt, as well as some quantity of water to promote ionization of the salt and release of zinc ions (Zn++). If water is used, such lubricants may also contain a thickening or suspending agent, such as a cellulose derivative, a natural gum compound, or a hydrophilic polymer, to provide a gel; alternately, the carrier may be a different type of water-containing formulation, such as a cream, emulsion, or ointment. Suitable zinc salts include water-soluble organic salts having relatively low molecular weights (including zinc acetate, butyrate, gluconate, glycerate, glycolate, lactate, propionate, etc.). Highly ionizing inorganic salts, such as zinc chloride or sulfate, can also be used in some formulations. Preferred salts are those which cause no detectable irritation. The zinc-containing condom lubricants described herein are intended to reduce the risk of infection by a sexually transmitted pathogen, in a user who may be at risk. |