Poly (HEMA) and Poly (EGMA) Gels of Meloxicam: An Assessment of Polymerization Techniques on the Pharmacotechnical Properties of the Gels

Abstract:

The objective of the present study was to formulate meloxicam gels by bulk, suspension and solution polymerization techniques and to assess the effect of the methodology and the nature of polymer on the physical and performance characteristics of the gel. Thus poly (ethylene glycol methacrylate) and poly (hydroxyl ethyl methacrylate) gels were formulated by chain polymerization using free radical initiator as principle mechanism of polymerization and evaluated for physicochemical, textural properties and in vitro drug release characteristics. The release studies were performed in conditions simulating variable skin conditions. F2 displayed zero order release (R=0.9727), low t_30% and high flux rate at all three pH values simulating inflammatory and normal skin conditions and in physiological pH. (5.96± 0.20 μg/cm²hr at pH 8.0, 4.92 ± 0.10 μg/cm²hr at pH 6.8 and 4.62 ± 0.26 μg/cm²hr at pH 7.4) in comparison to the predicted flux rate of 3.98μg/cm2hr. On the basis of optimum textural and release characteristics, F2 formulated by bulk polymerization using poly (EGMA) was selected as the best formulation that has great potential for development as topical anti-inflammatory gel.

Key words: meloxicam, bulk polymerization, suspension polymerization, solution polymerization, textural analysis, in vitro release