Iontophoresis - An Approach for Controlled Drug Delivery: A Review

Abstract

The recent approval of lidocaine hydrochloride and epinephrine combined iontophoretic patch (Lidosite Vysteris Inc.) for localized pain treatment by FDA has invigorated the gaining interest in iontophoretic drug delivery systems for the transdermal delivery of drugs. This technique of facilitated movement of ions across a membrane under the influence of an externally applied electric potential difference, is one of the most promising physical skin penetration enhancing method. The rationale behind using this technique is the capability of this method to increase the systemic delivery of high molecular weight compounds with controlled input kinetics and minimum inter-subject variability, which is otherwise achieved only when parentral route of administration is used. Recently, good permeation of larger peptides like insulin has been achieved through this technique in combination with chemical enhancers. This review briefly describes the factors which affect iontophoretic drug delivery and summarizes the studies conducted recently using this technique in order to achieve higher systemic absorption of the drugs having low passive diffusion otherwise. The effect of permeation enhancers (chemical enhancers) on iontophoretic flux of drugs has also been described. Present review also provides an insight into reverse iontophoresis. Various parameters which affect the transdermal absorption of drugs through iontophoresis like drug concentration, polarity of drugs, pH of donor solution, presence of co-ions, ionic strength, electrode polarity etc. have also been reviewed in detail.

Transdermal iontophoresis as an in-vivo technique for studying microvascular physiology

“…A number of excellent reviews on iontophoresis as a method for enhanced transdermal drug delivery have been published earlier (Curdy et al, 2001;Dixit et al, 2007;Guy et al, 2000;Kanikkannan, 2002). Here, we will focus on the mechanisms and methodological issues relevant to the use of the iontophoresis in microvascular research.…”

Zinc sulphate administered by transdermal iontophoresis improves breaking strength of surgical wounds in skin of alloxan-induced diabetic rats

“…Additionally, emphasis has been given to the application of therapeutic resources that can enhance blood circulation in the wounded area, specifically in the skin 9 . Among such resources, the stimulation of tissues by continuous electric current, associated with ion administration (iontophoresis) has been widely used in clinical practice and in experimental studies, with several therapeutic purposes, including the localized calcium deposits, tendinitis and tenosynovitis, hyperhidrosis, myospasms, joint arthrosis, tissue adherence, keloids, rheumatoid arthritis, fungal infection, lymphedema and wound healing 10,11 .…”

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“…But for precaution the current path should not pass across brain or heart. Normally the gap between two electrodes should be adequate around 5 to 10 cm [40][41][42][43] . Small amount of active pharmaceutical ingredient is delivered using iontophoretic devices over a given period of time.…”