Abstract

FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MELOXICAM LOADED MICROEMULSION FOR THE TREATMENT OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

*Verma Siddharth, Gujral Sunny

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks synovial joints. The process produces an inflammatory response of the synovium (synovitis) secondary to hyperplasia of synovial cells, excess synovial fluid and the development of pannus in the synovium. Various treatments are available. Non-pharmacological treatment includes physical therapy, orthoses, occupational therapy and nutritional therapy. Analgesia (painkillers) and anti-inflammatory drugs including steroids are used to suppress the symptoms, while disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are often required to inhibit or halt the underlying immune process and prevent long-term damage. In recent times, the newer group of biologics has increased treatment options.

Keywords: Microemulsion, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Franz Diffusion Cell, Co-surfactant, Phase diagram, Stability.