The Effect of Mixed-Solvent and Terpenes on Percutaneous Absorption of Meloxicam Gel

Author： Chang Jui-Sheng Tsai Yi-Hung Wu Pao-Chu Huang Yaw-Bin

ISSN： 0363-9045

Source： Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, Vol.33, Iss.9, 2007-09, pp. : 984-989

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to develop the meloxicam transdermal dosage form. The response surface methodology was used to obtain an appropriate mixed-solvent system of pH-7.4 buffer and ethanol for preparing meloxicam hydrogel. The enhancement effects of terpenes on drug precautious absorption were evaluated via in vitro and in vivo study. The result showed that the solubility of meloxicam was dependent on the pH value of buffer solution. The mixed-solvent system of pH-7.4 buffer and ethanol had a synergistic effect on the increase of drug solubility. The highest solubility was obtained in the ratio of 50/50 pH 7.4 buffer/ethanol. A series of terpenes were used as enhancer for improving the penetration rate of meloxicam. The penetration rates were significantly increased by about 70-593 fold and the lag times were shortened from 7.92 to 0.17 hr by enhancer incorporation. Among these terpenes, menthol showed the greatest effect. In vivo penetration study, the AUC48h was increased by about 1.7 fold by the addition of 5% menthol as enhancer.