jonoforese

Jonoforese is a term that refers to the application of an electric current to facilitate the introduction of ionized medicinal substances into the body. This process utilizes the principle of electrophoresis, where charged particles migrate in an electric field. In jonoforese, the polarity of the electric current is used to push charged drug molecules through the skin and into the underlying tissues. The drug must be in an ionized form to be delivered via this method.

The effectiveness of jonoforese depends on several factors, including the concentration of the drug, the duration of the treatment, the current intensity, and the properties of the skin. It is often employed in physical therapy to deliver anti-inflammatory medications, analgesics, or corticosteroids to localized areas of pain or inflammation. The skin acts as a barrier, and jonoforese aims to overcome this barrier by enhancing transdermal drug delivery.

The procedure typically involves placing an electrode containing the ionized drug solution over the target area and a return electrode elsewhere on the body. A low-level electrical current is then applied for a specified period. Jonoforese is generally considered a safe and non-invasive treatment option, although potential side effects can include skin irritation or minor burns at the electrode sites. It is important that jonoforese be administered by trained healthcare professionals who can determine appropriate dosages and treatment parameters.