Transdermal delivery of meloxicam proniosomes from hydrogels

This study was aimed to prepare meloxicam hydrogels containing proniosomes as a drug vehicle to provide a sustained release for 8 h. Meloxicam proniosomes prepared by using cholesterol, soya lecithine and Tween 20 were investigated with entrapment efficiency, surface morphology and vesicle size analysis. Meloxicam proniosomes containing hydrogels were prepared with either poloxamer or HPMC and their performance were evaluated by rheological studies, texture profile analyses and in vitro drug release studies. Results showed that meloxicam loaded proniosomes has acceptable properties Poloxamer and HPMC based hydrogels gave similar results for drug release studies while HPMC hydrogel showed higher mechanical strength compared to poloxamer hydrogel. As a conclusion 8 h sustained release of meloxicam proniosomes with poloxamer hydrogel can be prepared for effectively topical treatment of joint diseases which should be proved by further in vivo studies.