RESUMO
Meloxicam (MLX) has poor water solubility which leads to slow absorption following oral administration; hence, immediate release tablet is unsuitable in the treatment of acute pain. The aim of this study was to prepare a novel fast ultra-fine self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (UF-SNEDDS) of MLX for oral administration to facilitate drug release process in the stomach as well as comparing its in vitro dissolution with commercial Mobic and Mobitil tablets. MLX solubility in oils, mixed glycerides and surfactants with different HLB values was investigated. Based on MLX solubility profiles, eight UF-SNEDDSs composed of MLX, Cremophor RH 40 as oily phase, Capmul MCM-C8 or Tween 80 as surfactant and PEG 400 as co-solvent were prepared and evaluated for their spontaneous formation of emulsion, droplet size, turbidity and in vitro dissolution. The prepared novel MLX formulations showed a significant very low droplets size (up to 25 nm), thermodynamically stable and spontaneously formed nanoemulsion. MLX UF-SNEDDS formulations showed significant high percentage of drug dissolution (up to 70%) in simulated gastric fluid, compared with Mobic and Mobitil. In conclusion, due to higher drug release from MLX UF-SNEDDS formulations they could enhance its absorption and hence its bioavailability.