ABSTRACT
For topical administration ofmeloxicam [ME], microemulsion gels and lipogels containing either ethyl oleate or oleic acid as an oil phase were prepared. In addition, Hydrogel and hydroalcoholic gels containing carbopol 940 as a gelling agent were also prepared. In-vitro drug release through cellophane membrane and permeation through the excised rabbit skin in Sorensen's phosphate buffer [pH 7.4] containing 1% w/v sodium lauryl sulphate were performed. The influence of initial drug concentration [0.5, 0.65, 1% w/w] was studied. The permeation properties of ME from ethyl oleate microemulsion which is the best formula achieved was studied in comparison to the commercially available piroxicam gel. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activity of ME after oral and topical administration in rats was studied and compared to that of piroxicam gel. The results of an in-vitro drug release and its percutaneous permeation revealed that the ethyloleate microemulsion gel showed the highest results. Meloxicam gel [ethyl oleate microemulsion gel 1%] showed good protection against inflammation as compared to Feldene gel in rats