The Effect of Different Ratios of the Hydrophilic Polymers Sodium Al-ginate 20cP and Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose E15 on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Meloxicam Patch

Abstract

Meloxicam is one of the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) often used for osteoarthritis treatment. However, long-term use of meloxicam can cause side effects within the digestive tract, such as ulceration of the gastric mucosa. Transdermal patches offer an alternative route to reduce the side effects of meloxicam. This study aimed to determine the effect that different ratios of hydrophilic polymers had on the physicochemical characteristics of meloxicam patches. The hydrophilic polymers used were Sodium alginate 20 cP and Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) E15. Several comparisons were made between the hydrophobic polymer Ethyl Cellulose (EC) N22 including F1 (4:6:1), F2 (4,5:5:1,5), F3 (5:5:1) and F4 (5:4,5:1,5) which were made by a solvent evaporation method. Patches were then evaluated for their physicochemical properties, including organoleptic characteristics, moisture content, surface homogeneity, drug homogeneity, and assay testing. The results showed that increases in HPMC concentration can increase the results obtained. Based on statistical analysis results, no significant differences between the four formulas were found. In conclusion, a combination of HPMC E15, sodium alginate 20cP, and EC N22 with the most HPMC E15 produced the highest physicochemical characteristics.