title: Trials and tribulations of skin iontophoresis in therapeutics.
abstract: Iontophoresis is a method of non-invasive transdermal drug delivery based on the transfer of charged molecules using a low-intensity electric current. Both local and systemic administration are possible; however, the skin pharmacokinetics of iontophoretically delivered drugs is complex and difficult to anticipate. The unquestionable theoretical advantages of the technique make it attractive in several potential applications. After a brief review of the factors influencing iontophoresis, we detail the current applications of iontophoresis in therapeutics and the main potential applications under investigation, including systemic and topical drugs and focusing on the treatment of scleroderma-related ulcerations. Finally, we address the issue of safety, which could be a limitation to the routine clinical use of iontophoresis.
authors.affiliation: Inserm U1042, Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France; Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Inserm CIC03, Grenoble, France.
authors.forename: Matthieu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Roustit
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Blaise
authors.forename: Jean-Luc
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Cracowski
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007478:Iontophoresis / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008954:Models, Biological; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012594:Scleroderma, Localized / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012869:Skin Absorption; D012883:Skin Ulcer / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents; D014665:Vasodilator Agents
keywords: Iontophoresis; skin; topical drug administration