The aim of this study was to determine if a meloxicam hydrogel could be administered in vivo via phonophoretic transdermal delivery using pulsed ultrasound by examining its anti-hyperalgesic effects in a rat carrageenan inflammation model. Carrageenan (1%) was injected into the plantar surface of the right hindpaw, and meloxicam hydrogel was administered via phonophoretic transdermal delivery. Changes in the mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, as well as swelling, showed that phonophoretic delivery of meloxicam exhibited significantly better anti-hyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory effects than pulsed ultrasound. Topical and systemic application of meloxicam hydrogel using phonophoresis showed similar anti-hyperalgesic effects. These findings suggest that the transdermal administration of a meloxicam hydrogel using phonophoresis by pulsed ultrasound might be useful for treating acute inflammation.