Iontophoresis is a technique that uses a low-voltage electric current to introduce ionized medication through the skin. Positively charged ions are delivered through the positive electrode and negatively charged ions through the negative electrode. Common medications used include anesthetics, analgesics, and anti-inflammatories. The amount delivered depends on current density and duration of treatment, with studies showing effectiveness between 40 to 80 mA-minutes. Electrodes are placed over areas of pathology matched to drug charge, and current is adjusted based on patient comfort up to 4 mA.

1. IONTOPHORESIS
Syeda Nusrath Fatima (MPT)

2. INTRODUCTION
• Iontophoresis is the introduction of ionized medications into the subcutaneous
tissues using a low-voltage DC.
• The amount of medication entering the tissues is based on the current density and
the duration of the treatment.
• The medication types most commonly used for iontophoresis include anesthetics,
analgesics, and anti-inflammatory agents.

3. • Iontophoresis is based on the principle that like charges repel, and that therefore a
fixed charge electrode on the skin can promote the movement of charged ions of a
drug through the skin by “pushing” them away.
• Based on the ionic reaction between the positive and negative poles of the
generator, ionized medication molecules travel along the lines of force created by
the current.
• At the positive electrode, positive ions are driven through the skin; negative ions
are introduced through the skin using the negative pole.
• Iontophoresis has been shown to deliver the medication to depths of 6 to 20 mm
below the skin.
• Iontophoresis can provide advantages over oral delivery, nasal delivery and over
injections.

5. • For an electrical current to facilitate transdermal drug penetration, the current must
be at least sufficient to overcome the combined resistance of the skin and the
electrode being used.
• Studies have shown effective drug delivery with 40 to 80 mA-min treatments.
• To promote continuous delivery of the ionized drug, a direct current must be used
for iontophoresis.

7. PARAMETERS
• Electrode Placement and Size- For iontophoresis, the drug delivery electrode is
placed over the area of pathology.
• Polarity- For iontophoresis, the drug delivery electrode should have the same
polarity as the active ion of the drug to be delivered.
• Current Amplitude- For iontophoresis, the amplitude should be determined by
patient comfort and should be no greater than 4 mA.
• Treatment Time- For iontophoresis, the treatment time is affected by the current
amplitude and should be adjusted to produce a total treatment dose of 40 to 80
mA-min, which is achieved by setting the amplitude to patient comfort and then
setting, or having the device select, the treatment time to achieve the desired
treatment dose

8. PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
• Ion penetration
• Acid/ alkaline reaction
• Hyperaemia
• Dissociation

9. THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS
• Local analgesia
• Relief of idiopathic hyperhidrosis
• Application of antibiotics
• Application of anti inflammatory drugs
• Neurogenic pain
• Oedema relief
• Ischemic ulcer
• Scar mobilization

10. INDICATIONS
• Acute inflammation
• Chronic inflammation
• Arthritis
• Myositis ossificans
• Myofascial pain syndromes
• As a vehicle for delivering local anaesthetics before injection or other minor
invasive procedures
• Hyperhidrosis

11. CONTRAINDICATIONS
• Artificial pacemaker
• Unconscious patient
• Area of venous thrombosis
• Pregnancy
• Malignancy
• Infected wound
• Hemorrhage

12. THANK YOU