iontophoretic

Iontophoretic describes something related to iontophoresis, a technique for moving charged substances through a biological barrier, most commonly the skin, by applying an electric field. In iontophoresis, a direct current or low-amplitude current is applied through a pair of electrodes placed on the skin or tissue. The electric field drives ions by electromigration, and concurrently electroosmosis—a bulk flow of solvent in the tissue—can aid transport of neutral or weakly charged molecules. The method typically uses a drug formulation placed at the electrode interface so that it is repelled into the tissue when the corresponding electrode is energized.

Applications and performance: used to enhance transdermal drug delivery, enabling local anesthesia (for example lidocaine), anti-inflammatory agents, analgesics, and other ionizable compounds. Iontophoretic delivery can provide faster onset and more predictable dosing compared with topical application, and can reduce systemic exposure for some drugs. Delivery is influenced by skin condition, electrode design, current magnitude and duration, and the chemical properties of the drug.

Limitations and safety: potential skin irritation or burns from current, pH changes at the electrode interface, and variability among individuals. It may be less effective for large, highly lipophilic, or poorly ionized molecules. Regulatory and device considerations apply when used therapeutically, and proper training is required for clinical use.

Iontophoretic technology has been applied in research and clinical settings and has also been investigated for ocular, wound, and peripheral nerve applications.