Rheological behavior of gels and meloxicam release

The aim of this work was to identify a gel with suitable organoleptic and rheological properties (spreadability, texture and viscosity) for topical administration, designed to allow fast release of the active principle. The release of Meloxicam (anti-inflammatory agent) from olive oil lipogels was compared with a Carbopol hydrophilic prepared gel. In order to improve the diffusion of the active principle, two different artificial membranes with different pore size were used, before release assays in diffusion cells were compared. Drug released rate were obtained by Higuchi's model. Release rate and rheological properties relations were studied, and the best results were obtained for the gel prepared with an olive oil emulgent (Olivem 900). (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.