1. Iontophoresis
Vineela.U
08B21A0538
CSE

2. Introduction
Introducing of ions into the body using direct electrical current.
Use of dielectric current to facilitate delivery of ions into the skin for therapeutic purpose.
Transport ions across a membrance or into a tissue.

3. History Concept first developed & researched over a century ago.
Therapeutic use for more than 50 years.
Popularity & usage was declining until Joseph Kahn PhD, had 9 publications from to 1983.
All case studies & clinical commentaries.

4. IONs Positively charged ions are driven into tissues from positive pole Negatively charged ions are driven into tissues from negative pole Knowing correct ion polarity is essential
Positive Electrode (anode) delivers + ions
Negative Electrode (cathode) delivers - ions

5. Movements of IONs in Solution
Anode = Positively charged electrode
Lower concentration of electrons
Repels positively charged ions
Attracts negatively charged ions
Accumulation of positively charged ions in a small area creates an alkaline reaction
Cathode = Negatively charged electrode
Highest concentration of electrons
Repels negatively charged ions
Attracts positively charged ions
Accumulation of negatively charged ions in a small area creates an acidic reaction

6. Movement of IONs in Tissue
Force which acts to move ions through the tissues is determined by
Strength of the electrical field .
Electrical impedance of tissues to current flow.
Sweat ducts are primary paths by which ions move through the skin.

7. The quantity of ions transferred into the tissues through iontophoresis is directly proportional to
Current density.
Duration of the current flow.
Concentration of ions in solution.
Once the ions pass through skin they recombine with existing ions and free radicals in the blood thus forming the necessary new compounds for favorable therapeutic interactions .

8. Ion Transfer
Rate at which an ion may be delivered is determined by a number of factors
The concentration of the ion
The pH of the solution
Molecular size
Current density
Duration of the treatment

9. Ionotophoresis Generator
Intensity control
1 to 5 mA
Constant voltage output that adjusts to normal variations in tissue impedance thus reducing the likelihood of burns
Automatic shutdown if skin impedance reduces to preset limit

10. Adjustable Timer
Up to 25 min

11. Lead wires
Active electrode
Inactive electrode

12. Procedure
To ensure maximum contact of electrodes skin should be cleaned prior to attachment of the electrodes.
Do not excessively rub skin during cleaning since damaged skin has lowered resistance to current and a burn might occur more easily .

13. Preparation of Electrode
Attach self-adhering active electrode to skin.
Inject ionized solution into the chamber.
Attach self-adhering inactive electrode to the skin and attach lead wires from generator to each.

14. Current Intensity Low amperage currents appear to be more effective.
Higher intensity currents tend to reduce effective penetration into the tissues.
Recommended current amplitudes used for iontophoresis range between 3-5 mA .

15. Increase intensity slowly until patient reports tingling or prickly sensation.
When terminating treatment intensity should be slowly decreased to zero before electrodes are disconnected.
Current amplitude usually set so that current density falls between mA/cm2 of the active electrode surface.

16. Treatment Duration 10-20 minutes. Average 15 min.
Check skin every 3-5 minutes for signs of skin irritation.
Patient should be comfortable.
Decrease intensity during treatment to accommodate decrease in skin impedance to avoid pain or burning.

17. Contraindications Skin sensitivity. Sensitivity to agent.
Gastritis/ulcer- cortisone.
Asthma- mecholyl.
Sensitivity to metal.
Sensitivity to seafood-iodine.
Recent scars in treatment area.
Metal implants close to skin.
Acute injury where there is still bleeding.

18. Advantages It is a painless,strile,noninvasive technique.
Less drug into systemic circulation.
Decreased side effects.
Potentially greater concentration of drug in the target area.
Supervised.
Safer than administering a drug through injection.

19. Disadvantages Risk of skin irritation or burn.
Depth of penetration known to vary.
Most common problem is a chemical burn which occurs as a result of direct current itself and not because of the ion being used.
Thermal burns may occur due to high resistance to current flow created by poor contact of the electrodes with the skin.

20. Conclusion
Iontophoresis is a method of choice in administration of certain local anesthetics and has had its greatest success in therapy.
Knowledge of the mechanism and instrumentation increased exponentially in the last decade.
New applications are to be expected, particularly in administration of peptide and protein drugs.