IONTOPHORES

IS
By
Dr Fagun B. Patel
MPT Neuro

Content
A. Introduction
B. Principle
C. Parameters
D. Instrumentation
E. Application of Iontophoresis
F. Clinical conditions and ions in
Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis
Definition : Iontophoresis is the use of direct
current to enhance the
transcutaneous administration of
ionizable substances.
Anti inflammatory steroids, local
anesthetics

 The basic principles underlying

Iontophoresis techniques were first
described almost a century ago.
It has been used as a clinical
intervention for the past 40 years.

Basic principles of
Iontophoresis application
Place the ion under an electrode with
the same charge, e.g - a negative ion
is applied under cathode.
Electrode which contains drug to be
administrate is called active
electrode

Basic principles of
Iontophoresis application
cont

A constant (direct) current is then

applied and ion is electrically
propelled in to the patient
The electro static repulsion of like
charges is the driving force for the
Iontophoresis.

Why Iontophoresis????

Relatively safe and painless way to

deliver clinically significant amount
of medication to cutaneous and
subcutaneous tissues

Ion transfer

Ion transfer cont

Electricity as a drug
administrative vehicle
Primary role of electricity in
Iontophoresis is to help transmit
medication
to a target
site
Physiological
effect of
shock at
varying magnitude
0-1 mA

Imperceptible

1-15 mA

Tingling sensation and muscle

contraction

15-100 mA

Painful electric shock

100-200 mA

Cardiac or respiratory arrest

> 200 mA

Instant tissue burning and

destruction

 Electricity can be viewed as a vehicle

for trans dermal drug administration
in the same way that the hypodermic
syringe serves as the vehicle to
administer a drug via a
subcutaneous or intravenous
injection.

 Specific parameters of electricity

should be selected to optimize
Iontophoresis effect much in the
same way that a certain size and
caliber syringe will be chosen during
different type of injection.

DC generator
0 to 5 mA range
One or two channels for current application
Automatic ramp up at beginning of
treatment and ramp down at end of
treatment
Built in timer
Automatic shut off at the end of treatment
Audible warning signals

Electrodes
Non commercial electrodes are made
up of malleable metals such as tin,
aluminum or copper
Electrode is placed over gauze pads or
paper towels that have been socked in
the drug that is being applied
Towel or gauze socked in water are
placed beneath the return electrode.

Application of Iontophoresis

Patient screening

Through examination
Inquire about drug allergy
Check for the contra indications
Localize the part to place the active
electrode
Contra indications

Broken skin at treatment site

Decrease skin sensations
Sensitivity to drug being introduced
Cardiac pacemaker & other implanted

Skin preparation & electrode

placement
Vigorous rubbing of skin with isopropyl
alcohol- to reduce skin irritation
Shave the skin if excessive hairs are
present
Place the delivery electrode over desire
site of application with uniform contact
Place the return electrode on near by
site on same limb or an adjacent body
segment

Connection to DC generator
and application of current
Attach the wire leads to treatment
electrode
The leads are then connected to DC
generator with care to be taken for
polarity of electrode
Slowly increase the current to the
initial desire amplitude (1-2 mA for 510 min)

Completing the treatment

Current should be slowly decreased
at the end of treatment
Electrodes are then removed and
skin at each electrode site should be
carefully inspected
Some redness may be present at the
skin of the treatment site specially if
drugs are delivered by cathode

Completing the treatment

cont
Like wise small vesicles may be present at
the site.
Redness and irritation will disappear within
several minutes to hours, failure of this may
indicate serious reaction & subsequent
treatment will be contraindicated
Many PTs conclude treatment by applying a
skin lotion containing lanolin or aloevera to
reduce redness and accelerate recovery of
skin