Formulation and In Vitro Evaluation of Meloxicam-Loaded Transdermal Patches: Effect of Polymeric Blends on Drug Release and Kinetics

Abstract

Background: Orally administered meloxicam is associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions and variable bioavailability due to first-pass metabolism. Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) offer a promising alternative because they enable prolonged drug release and enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
Objective: The current study aimed to develop and evaluate meloxicam-loaded transdermal patches using different polymeric blends to optimize their physicochemical characteristics and drug release behavior.
Methods: Meloxicam transdermal patches were prepared by the solvent evaporation method using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) in combination with either polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Six formulations (F1–F6) were evaluated for thickness, weight variation, folding endurance, expansion index, surface pH, drug content uniformity, and in vitro drug diffusion using phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Drug–polymer compatibility was evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Drug release kinetics were analyzed using mathematical models. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test demonstrated significant formulation-dependent differences (p < 0.05).
Results: All formulations exhibited acceptable physicochemical characteristics and a surface pH compatible with skin application. Among the tested formulations, F1 (HPMC:PVA, 3:1) demonstrated the highest cumulative drug release (92% over 12 h), along with good drug content uniformity and stable mechanical properties. FTIR analysis confirmed the absence of chemical interactions between meloxicam and the polymers. Kinetic modeling indicated that drug release predominantly followed diffusion-controlled and non-Fickian mechanisms. Conclusion: The optimized formulation (F1) demonstrated favorable performance as a matrix-type transdermal patch for sustained meloxicam delivery. These findings highlight the influence of polymeric composition on drug release behavior and support the potential of transdermal systems as an alternative to oral meloxicam therapy.