European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

FORMULATION AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF MELOXICAM MICROSPONGE AS A GEL

Shiwangi, Mayank Bansal and Dinesh Kaushik*

ABSTRACT

Objective: Meloxicam is a poor water soluble drug; an effort had been made to enhance their dissolution rate through formulating it as a microsponge and then fabricated as a gel for oral administration. Methods: Meloxicam microsponges were prepared by quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method using Eudragit RS100, RL100, S100 with different drug-polymer ratios, three different types of inner phase solvent were used, along with various volumes of the selected organic solvent, the prepared formulas were examined for it its production yield, loading efficiency, particle size and in vitro drug release for formulas have excellent physical properties. Optimum formula that had fast release profile was further fabricated into a gel using direct compression method, two types of disintegrants along with two different amounts were used, also the addition of microcrystalline cellulose was examined. Results: The results showed that as the ratio of drug to polymer was increased, the production yield and loading efficiency were enhanced, but the particle size had an inverse relationship. Among the three types of solvent, ethanol was most preferable one; 5 ml of ethanol was most favorable. PF13 (containing Eudragit RS100) have the rapid release profile. No any chemical interaction was observed, microsponge with spherical shape, porous structure was obtained. The prepared gels have acceptable physical parameters. A dramatic enhancement in the dissolution rate as compared with the pure Meloxicam gel was shown, as well as release profile follows Hixson-Crowell kinetic with non Fickian diffusion. Conclusion: Microsponge may represent a promising way to increase the dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drug.

Keywords: Meloxicam, Microsponge, Eudragit RS100, Loading efficiency, Crospovidone.