This study was designed to evaluate the suitability of Pluronic F-127, different grades of Carbopol and cellulosic polymers as gel bases containing tolmetin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. In vitro release characteristics, effect of enhancers, viscosity and the mechanism of drug release for different gel bases was studied as well as the anti-inflammatory activity were evaluated. The results showed that the HPMC gel has the superior percent of drug release than the others. The percent released of drug from Carbopol and the Pluronic F-127 gels is concentration defendants. It was found that the drug release from the tested gel bases obeyed the diffusion mechanism. The use of propylene glycol and urea in different concentrations (3.0, 5.0 and 10 % w/v) had enhanced the percent of drug release significantly (p< 0.05). The anti-inflammatory activity of the drug in Carbopol gel formulation showed excellent anti-inflammatory activity. These finding highlight the potential local application of tolmetin gel as topical anti-inflammatory medication.