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Trials and tribulations of skin iontophoresis in therapeutics
Author(s) -
Roustit Matthieu,
Blaise Sophie,
Cracowski JeanLuc
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
british journal of clinical pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.216
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1365-2125
pISSN - 0306-5251
DOI - 10.1111/bcp.12128
Subject(s) - iontophoresis , medicine , pharmacology , dermatology , radiology
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.