The topical anti-inflammatory effects of a topical preparation of meclofenamic acid on carrageenan-induced footpad swelling in mice.

A topical preparation of meclofenamic acid (Meclomen) was tested for anti-inflammatory activity in a murine model of carrageenan footpad oedema. The preparation significantly inhibited swelling when applied to the carrageenan-injected paw. Maximum inhibition was observed 4-5 h after carrageenan injection. The topical effects could not be attributed to systemic absorption because the preparation was more inhibitory when applied topically to the carrageenan-injected paw than to a distant site or orally.