Formulation and evaluation of matrix transdermal patches of meloxicam

Abstract

The present study deals with the formulation and evaluation of transdermalpatches of meloxicam towards enhance its permeation through the skin and maintain the plasma levelconcentration. Transdermal patches were prepared by using polymers like Chitosan, HPMC 15cps and EC 20cpsat various concentrations by solvent casting technique employing dibutyl phthalate as plasticizer and isopropylmyristate as permeation enhancer. The transdermal patches were evaluated for their physico-chemical properties and in-vitro drug release. The transdermal patches were found to be transparent and smooth in texture. Amongthe formulations studied, at the end of 12th hour, the minimum and maximum in-vitro drug release was observedfor the formulations F12 and F4i.e. 80.012 ± 2.012 % and 98.365±3.012%. The mechanism of drugrelease was found to be Non-Fickian diffusion controlled. FT-IR studies revealed theintegrity of the drug in theformulations. Keywords: Transdermal Patches, Meloxicam, Chitosan, HPMC 15cps, EC 20 cps, in-vitro diffusion studies.