Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis

Under the influence of direct current (in an electrical medium), ions (particles with positive or negative charge) migrate toward the opposite pole. This is the origin of the terms "ion migration" and "iontophoresis."

Medications in solution dissociate into positively and negatively charged ions, i.e., electrically charged particles. Positively charged ions are called cations, and negatively charged ones anions. Iontophoresis is based on the principle that under direct current, these ions begin to move toward the pole opposite to their own charge: positively charged ions move toward the negative electrode, and negatively charged ions toward the positive electrode.

With iontophoresis, the dissolved medication can be introduced into your body through the skin.

Effects of iontophoresis

The treatment has both local and systemic effects: the active ingredient accumulates at the site of administration, forming a depot that provides a concentrated and long-lasting effect. The locally administered drug enters the capillaries of the skin and from there reaches the bloodstream, exerting a systemic effect throughout the body.

Benefits of the treatment include:

• avoiding oral drug intake, so the medication is not partially broken down in your digestive system but is fully utilized where you need it, thus specifically treating the painful area;
• additionally, the gentle contractions caused by the direct current enhance blood circulation, speeding up the healing process.

The amount of active ingredient delivered during treatment depends on several factors:

• duration of the current application – adjustable during treatment,
• current intensity – depending on your tolerance,
• surface area of the electrode, and
• ion mobility – determined by the molecular weight of the substance.

Recommended treatment frequency

• Perform iontophoresis daily
• A typical course consists of 10-15 sessions (20 in more severe cases)
• Begin treatments with a low-frequency iontophoresis program
• Lower frequencies deliver less active ingredient but reduce skin redness in the treated area.
• Skin redness during iontophoresis is a normal reaction due to increased blood flow.
• Don't worry! The redness subsides shortly after treatment completion.
• If redness persists, you may be allergic to the drug – inform your doctor or therapist.

Applications of iontophoresis

Iontophoresis is suitable for pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, vasodilation, muscle spasm (cramps, stiffness) relief, and tissue softening. Thus, the treatment is recommended for...

• sports injuries,
• joint pain treatment,
• and enhancing cosmetic product effectiveness.
• One major application of iontophoresis is the elimination of excessive palm, sole, and underarm sweating. A specialized device category has been developed solely for this treatment. Click here to see it.

Knee joint iontophoresis treatment procedure

• Moisten the sponges
• Insert the black carbon electrode and connect the cables
• Drip the active ingredient onto the appropriate sponge side
• Examples of drugs deliverable from the positive electrode include Lidocaine, Procaine, Calcium chloratum, Histamine, Tolazoline, and Vitamin B1
• Examples of drugs deliverable from the negative electrode include Sodium salicylate, Potassium iodide, Phenylbutazone ointment, Voltaren emulgel, Diclofenac gel, Flector gel, and Fastum gel
• Secure the electrodes on opposite sides of the joint using the elastic strap
• Select the iontophoresis program on the device and start it
• Adjust the intensity to a level that causes a "tickling" sensation on the treated area. Too high a current can be painful, while too low is ineffective.
• Under the current, the drug will migrate from one pole to the other through the painful area, carrying the active ingredients along.

When is iontophoresis not recommended?

Although iontophoresis is beneficial for many conditions, its use is contraindicated in certain cases:

• pregnant women
• tuberculosis
• juvenile diabetes
• acute viral infection
• mycosis
• dermatitis
• heart disease
• arrhythmia
• epilepsy
• and persons with cardiac pacemakers

As with all treatments involving medications, it is essential to consider potential drug allergies with iontophoresis. If you have confirmed no allergic reaction to the intended medication, proceed with treatment.

Frequently used active ingredients in iontophoresis

If the active ingredient is not listed above, determine its polarity based on its packaging or consult the prescribing doctor or the dispensing pharmacist.