Eudragit EPO Nanoparticles: Application in Improving Therapeutic Efficacy and Reducing Ulcerogenicity of Meloxicam on Oral Administration

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the potential of Eudragit EPO nanoparticles (EPO NP) in improving therapeutic efficacy of meloxicam (MLX). MLX loaded EPO NP were prepared by nanoprecipitation method and were characterized for particle size, encapsulation efficiency and for morphology. The in vitro dissolution profile of MLX loaded EPO NP and MLX suspension was evaluated. MLX loaded EPO NP had particle size of similar to 100 nm and the encapsulation efficiency of MLX was similar to 90%. The EPO NP significantly improved anti-inflammatory activity of MLX (P < 0.01) as compared to that of MLX suspension. The enhanced anti-inflammatory effect was maintained for a longer duration (6 h) in case of MLX loaded EPO NP. Oral administration of MLX loaded EPO NP also resulted in lesser ulcerogenicity as compared to that of MLX suspension indicating that nanoparticles can also decrease the adverse effects associated with MLX treatment.