title: Iontophoretic terbinafine HCL 1.0% delivery across porcine and human nails.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Onychomycosis is a common disease. Topical treatment is usually not effective due to limitation of trans-nail delivery of antifungal drugs. Successful treatment of deep-seated nail infections remains elusive as the delivery of efficacious levels of antifungal drug to the site of action is very difficult.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the influence of several parameters including; the effect of low electrical current, incubation time and the presence of electrolyte (NaCl or KCl) on the penetration of terbinafine through the nail plate into the nail bed, using various formulations and concentrations of terbinafine HCl.
  
  
  METHODS
  Iontophoresis was applied across porcine and human nail in vitro to assess its efficiency in enhancing delivery of terbinafine HCl.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In this study, we have demonstrated that an optimal electrolyte concentration (1% NaCl or KCl) is required for an effective delivery. There is a significant increase in drug delivery into the nail and into the receiving compartment in the presence of 3% DMSO.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrates the efficacy of iontophoresis in enhancing the trans-nail delivery of terbinafine. Clinical studies are needed to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of iontophoresis of terbinafine in onychomycosis in human.
authors.affiliation: Huzot Clinic, Clalit Health Services, Ashkelon, Israel. boazam@clalit.org.il
authors.forename: Boaz
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Amichai
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mosckovitz
authors.forename: Henri
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Trau
authors.forename: Orit
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Sholto
authors.forename: Shirly
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ben-Yaakov
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Royz
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Barak
authors.forename: Boaz
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Nitzan
authors.forename: Avner
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shemer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006724:Hoof and Claw; D006801:Humans; D007478:Iontophoresis / Q000379:methods*; D009262:Nails; D009281:Naphthalenes / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014009:Onychomycosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010539:Permeability; D013552:Swine; D000077291:Terbinafine
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D009281:Naphthalenes; D000077291:Terbinafine; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide