Development And Evaluation of Meloxicam Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Transdermal Delivery

Objective: Meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug classified as BCS II, often causes abdominal discomfort, gastric irritations when taken orally and also has low skin permeability. In order to address these issues nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC’s) are used, which also improves transdermal delivery. The main aim of this approach is to enhance both skin penetration and drug’s anti-inflammatory effects. Research methodology: Hot homogenization technique was used and for optimization Box-Behnken design was used. It was characterized for drug content, thickness, folding endurance, weight uniformity, moisture content, Ex-vivo skin permeation study involved drug flux and permeation coefficient, Fourier transform infrared spectrum. Rat paw edema method and the stability studies was used to evaluate anti-inflammatory effect of the developed NLC patch. Results: Seventeen formulations of NLC were prepared and a 24h drug release study showed that rate of drug release from formulation was 85.61±0.24. The ex-vivo skin permeation showed a higher flux and permeability coefficient compared to formulation of pure drug patch. The chemical and physical compatibility the components were confirmed by FTIR spectra. Anti-Inflammatory studies showed faster reduction in inflammation with NLC patch. Conclusion: NLC based transdermal patches has significantly improved skin permeability and therapeutic efficacy of meloxicam.