title: Transdermal iontophoresis.
abstract: Iontophoresis is a technique used to enhance the transdermal delivery of compounds through the skin via the application of a small electric current. By the process of electromigration and electro-osmosis, iontophoresis increases the permeation of charged and neutral compounds, and offers the option for programmed drug delivery. Interest in this field of research has led to the successful delivery of both low (lidocaine) and high molecular drugs, such as peptides (e.g., luteinising hormone releasing hormone, nafarelin and insulin). Combinations of iontophoresis with chemical enhancers, electroporation and sonophoresis have been tested in order to further increase transdermal drug permeation and decrease possible side effects. In addition, rapid progress in the fields of microelectronics, nanotechnology and miniaturisation of devices is leading the way to more sophisticated iontophoretic devices, allowing improved designs with better control of drug delivery. Recent successful designing of the fentanyl E-TRANS iontophoretic system have provided encouraging results. This review will discuss basic concepts, principles and applications of this delivery technique.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
authors.forename: Priya
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Batheja
authors.forename: Batheja
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Priya
authors.forename: Rashmi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Thakur
authors.forename: Thakur
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rashmi
authors.forename: Bozena
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Michniak
authors.forename: Michniak
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bozena
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000818:Animals; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D007478:Iontophoresis; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism*; D012869:Skin Absorption
chemical_list: D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations