The Effect of Sodium Alginate, Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose E15 and Ethyl Cellulose N22 as Polymeric Matrices on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Meloxicam Patch

Meloxicam is an NSAID that can cause gastric irritation when orally administered. Transdermal drug delivery system can avoid its side effects and avoid first-pass metabolism in the liver. In this study, matrix type transdermal patches containing meloxicam were prepared using different ratios of sodium alginate, hydroxpropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) E15, and ethyl cellulose (3:2: 0.5; 2.5: 2:1; 2:2:1.5 and 1.5:2:2). The transdermal patches of meloxicam were prepared by mixing all dispersion polymers matrix and meloxicam. The patches were evaluated for physicochemical assessment (organoleptic, moisture content, surface morphology, drug content, and homogeneity). The result showed that there were differences in both moisture content and mass variation. The percent of moisture content and mass variation were increased as the amount of hydrophilic polymer increases. Formula 1.5:2:2 showed the best characteristic because it had low moisture content, however, it still needs further studies, such as stability, drug release, and penetration studies.