Iontophoresis: Drug Delivery System by Applying an Electrical Potential Across the Skin

Abstract

Penetration of healthy skin by drugs in solution is normally very limited due to the excellent barrier function of the stratum corneum (the most superficial layer of the skin). The goal of delivery system is to get optimal therapeutic management. But, it still remains a challenge in the field of pharmaceuticals for delivery of ionic species and some non ionic. This barrier can be overcome using iontophoresis: by applying an electrical potential (voltage) across the skin, drug ions become the charge carriers that convey the electrical current through the skin. Iontophoresis is being oppressed for the controlled delivery of drugs for systemic indications through synergistic approaches with other techniques like micro needle, electroporation and chemical approaches which may provide easier and more accurate delivery of macromolecules and poorly water soluble compounds. Iontophoresis may be particularly useful for the effective delivery of peptide, protein, drugs like cardiovascular agents, anaesthetics agents, anti-inflammatory agents etc. This article is an overview of the history of iontophoresis, mechanism, principles, factors influencing iontophoresis, synergistic approaches, patients related considerations, iontophoretic devices and their implementation and their application for various dermatological conditions. Keywords: Electrical potential, electroporation, dermatological conditions, iontophoresis, stratum corneum, electro-chemical potential, alkaloids, jet-propulsion, electroosmosis, somatotropine, dexamethasone phosphate, transscleral iontophoresis, Buccal Iontophoresis, EEPROM