Iontophoresis: Movement of Medication With Electric Current

Transdermal delivery of drugs through the skin to the systemic circulation provides a convenient route of administration for a variety of clinical indications. For transdermal delivery of drugs, stratum corneum is the main barrier layer for permeation of drug. This physicochemical constraint severely limits the number of molecules that can be considered as realistic candidates for transdermal delivery. Iontophoresis provides a mechanism to enhance the penetration of hydrophilic and charged molecules across the skin. This technique facilitates movement of ions across a membrane under the influence of an externally applied electric potential difference. The present reviews discuss the basic principle, mechanism, factors affecting and combination strategies of iontophoresis.