ABSTRACT
The percutaneous absorption of a non- steroid anti- inflammatory, analgesic agent such as piroxicam was investigated from different ointment bases, using excised mouse skin and cadaver skin as a test barrier. It was found that more than 17% of the drug has permeated through mouse skin and 20% crossed the cadaver skin. Methyl salicylate, Dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO], urea, some fatty acids, and volatile oils were incorporated with the ointment bases as possible enhancers for the permeation of the drug. Optimal permeation was gained in the presence of DMSO and 5% of urea. The effect of pH on the percutaneous absorption was also investigated. The optimal effect of pH on the permeation of drug was attained with buffers aqeous phase of o/w emulsion ointment base of pH greater than 8