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. 2012 Jan-Mar;80(1):1-28.
doi: 10.3797/scipharm.1108-20. Epub 2011 Dec 13.

Iontophoresis: a potential emergence of a transdermal drug delivery system

Vinod Dhote  1 , Punit Bhatnagar, Pradyumna K Mishra, Suresh C Mahajan, Dinesh K Mishra
Affiliations

Iontophoresis: a potential emergence of a transdermal drug delivery system

Vinod Dhote et al. Sci Pharm. 2012 Jan-Mar.

Abstract

The delivery of drugs into systemic circulation via skin has generated much attention during the last decade. Transdermal therapeutic systems propound controlled release of active ingredients through the skin and into the systemic circulation in a predictive manner. Drugs administered through these systems escape first-pass metabolism and maintain a steady state scenario similar to a continuous intravenous infusion for up to several days. However, the excellent impervious nature of the skin offers the greatest challenge for successful delivery of drug molecules by utilizing the concepts of iontophoresis. The present review deals with the principles and the recent innovations in the field of iontophoretic drug delivery system together with factors affecting the system. This delivery system utilizes electric current as a driving force for permeation of ionic and non-ionic medications. The rationale behind using this technique is to reversibly alter the barrier properties of skin, which could possibly improve the penetration of drugs such as proteins, peptides and other macromolecules to increase the systemic delivery of high molecular weight compounds with controlled input kinetics and minimum inter-subject variability. Although iontophoresis seems to be an ideal candidate to overcome the limitations associated with the delivery of ionic drugs, further extrapolation of this technique is imperative for translational utility and mass human application.

Keywords: Drug delivery; Iontophoresis; Transdermal therapeutic system; Translational research.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Schematic representation shows importance of Iontophoresis as penetration enhancer
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Novel advanced transdermal technologies
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Diagram of iontophoretic technique: as current is applied the drug cations are repelled and move through the skin and eventually they are absorbed in the systemic circulation.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Pathways of molecular transport in iontophoresis
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Schematic representation of iontophoretic system
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Factors Affecting Iontophoretic Delivery System
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Various types of iontophoretic system
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