Formulation, Optimization and Evaluation of Meloxicam Loaded Transdermal Emulgel Using Design of Experiments

Abstract

The present research paper summarizes the formulation, optimization and evaluation of a meloxicam-loaded transdermal emulgel intended to improve topical delivery of a poorly water-soluble non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Meloxicam was characterized by organoleptic evaluation, melting point, solubility, UV spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Oil-in-water emulgels were prepared with liquid paraffin, Tween 80, Carbopol 934, dimethyl sulfoxide, preservatives and triethanolamine. A Design of Experiments approach was used to study the effect of Carbopol 934, Tween 80 and DMSO on viscosity, spreadability and in-vitro drug release. The optimized formulation (F9) showed smooth white appearance, excellent homogeneity, skin-compatible pH of 6.5, spreadability value of 16, viscosity of 27,000 cP, drug content of 96% and 95% cumulative drug release at 8 h. Stability results after 3 months showed no change in appearance, minor pH change from 6.4 to 6.6, minimal viscosity reduction from 27,000 to 26,800 cP and drug content retention from 95.86% to 95.34%. The statistical model was significant for viscosity and spreadability, with Carbopol 934 being the dominant influencing factor. Overall, the developed meloxicam emulgel demonstrated acceptable physicochemical properties, sustained drug release and good short-term stability, indicating its potential as a topical/transdermal drug delivery system