Iontophoresis

Definition

Iontophoresis is a non-invasive technique that uses a small electric current to drive charged drug molecules through the skin and into the underlying tissues. This method enhances drug absorption by overcoming the natural barrier of the skin, making it a valuable approach for transdermal drug delivery. Iontophoresis is particularly useful for delivering hydrophilic drugs that would otherwise have limited skin permeability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Iontophoresis can be used to deliver various types of medications, including anti-inflammatory drugs and local anesthetics, enhancing their therapeutic effects.
2. The amount of drug delivered through iontophoresis can be controlled by adjusting the strength and duration of the electric current applied.
3. Iontophoresis is considered safe and generally well-tolerated, with few side effects, which can include mild skin irritation or redness at the application site.
4. This technique can improve patient compliance by providing a pain-free alternative to injections, making it suitable for patients who fear needles.
5. Iontophoresis can be used in physical therapy settings to deliver medications directly to injured tissues, promoting healing and reducing pain.

Review Questions

• How does iontophoresis enhance the transdermal delivery of drugs compared to traditional methods?
  • Iontophoresis enhances transdermal drug delivery by using an electric current to propel charged drug molecules across the skin barrier. This method allows for higher concentrations of hydrophilic drugs to penetrate deeper into the tissues compared to traditional topical applications, which rely solely on passive diffusion. As a result, iontophoresis can achieve more effective therapeutic outcomes with reduced side effects due to localized drug delivery.
• Discuss the advantages and limitations of using iontophoresis in clinical practice for drug delivery.
  • The advantages of iontophoresis include its non-invasive nature, enhanced drug absorption, and ability to provide targeted therapy with minimal systemic effects. It is particularly beneficial for patients who are needle-averse or require localized treatment. However, limitations exist, such as the need for specialized equipment and training, potential skin irritation at the application site, and restrictions on the types of drugs that can be effectively delivered using this method.
• Evaluate the role of electroosmosis in iontophoresis and how it contributes to enhancing drug delivery through the skin.
  • Electroosmosis plays a significant role in iontophoresis by facilitating the movement of fluids within the skin layers when an electric field is applied. This fluid movement can help transport both charged and uncharged molecules, further enhancing drug delivery through the skin. By combining electroosmosis with iontophoresis, clinicians can increase the overall efficiency of transdermal drug delivery systems, allowing for a broader range of therapeutic agents to be effectively administered via this method.

Related terms

Transdermal patch: A medical adhesive patch that delivers medication through the skin for systemic effects over an extended period.

Electroosmosis: The movement of liquid through a porous medium induced by an electric field, which can enhance drug delivery during iontophoresis.

Phonophoresis: A technique that uses ultrasound waves to enhance the transdermal delivery of medications, similar to iontophoresis but utilizing sound instead of electrical currents.