Formulation and Characterization of Meloxicam Loaded Microspheres Intended for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The present work was to prepare and evaluate colon specific meloxicam loaded microspheres for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Sodium alginate microspheres were prepared by using emulsification method using different ratios of sodium alginate (1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4). Prepared microspheres were coated with eudragit S100. The microspheres were characterized for different physical parameters such as particle size, particle size distribution, shape, percent entrapment efficiency, FTIR studies, in vitro drug release studies and stability studies. The SEM studies of coated microspheres showed smooth spherical surface and size ranged from 584-890nm. The release studies of coated microspheres were performed and showed good release retardation in 0.1N HCl (2hr), pH 4.5 (2hr) and had a controlled released in pH 7.4 (up to 24hr).