Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis

1. AVANIANBAN CHAKKARAPANI
LECTURE 11; 5.2.2015; 14.00 TO 15.00
K 401
Iontophoresis

4. HOW DOES IT WORK

5. PRINCIPLE
•Current required
•Ionic polarity
•Low-level amplitude
•Electrode size

6. Current Required
•Direct Current or Galvanic current
•Monophasic pulsed current
•Constant current is preferable to constant
voltage thus, the magnitude of the applied
current will not exceed the present level in
terms of skin resistance.

7. Ionic Polarity
•The basis of successful ion transfer lies in
basic physics principle i.e LIKE POLES
REPELS each other.
•Ions with same polarity which is the same
as that of stimulating electrode are
repelled into the skin
•The electrode under which the ionic
solution is placed called ACTIVE
ELECTRODE.

8. Ionic Polarity
•The other electrode placed to complete
the circuit called passive electrode or
inactive electrode or dispersive electrode.

9. Low level Amplitude
•It is more effective
•The treatment usually applied with
currents up to 5 mA
•With low ionic concentrations up to 5 %
•Treatment time up to 10 –30 min range

10. Electrode Size
•The –ve electrode should be larger than
anode ( usually twice)
•Enlarging the negative electrode size
lower the current density on the negative
pad, leading to reduction of irritation.

11. Physiological Changes
•Ion penetration
•Acid/ alkaline reaction
•Hyperemia
•Dissociation

12. Ionic Penetration
•Penetration does not exceed 1mm.
•Subsequent deeper absorption through
the capillary circulation.
•The bulk of the deposited ions at the
active electrode are stored, to be depleted
by the sweep of circulating blood.

13. Acid/Alkaline Reaction
•Will get ACID accumulation under the
positive electrode (HCL).
•This is because the negatively charged
chloride ions (cl-from Nacl) is attracted
towards the anode.
•This is considered sclerotic, which tens to
harden tissues, serving as analgesic agent
due to local release of oxygen.

14. Acid/Alkaline Reaction
•Alkaline accumulation under the cathode
•Because the positively charged sodium
ions (Na+ from NaCl) will move towards
cathode.
•The Na+ reacts with water to form NaOH.
•Considered sclerolytic, which is softening
agent due to hydrogen release, serving in
management of scars and burns.

15. Hyperemia
•Both the anode and cathode electrodes
produce hyperemia and heat due to the
vasodilatation.
•The cathodal hyperemia is generally more
pronounced and takes more time to
disappear than anode.
•Generally hyperemia under both the
electrodes does not lasts more than 1 hr.

17. Complications
•Chemical Burns
•Heat Burns
•Sensitive and allergic reactions to ions

18. Chemical Burns

19. Heat Burns

20. Allergic reactions to Ions

21. Indications

22. Selection of Ions

23. Common Drug Ions Used in
Sports Medicine
•Dexamethasone
–Negative ion
–Reduces inflammation by inhibiting
biosynthesis of prostaglandins and various
other inflammatory substances
•Acetate
–Negative ion
–Assists in dissolving calcium deposits and
scar tissue in soft tissues

24. Common Drug Ions Used in
Sports Medicine (cont.)
•Hydrocortisone
–Positive ion
–Assists in decreasing tissue inflammation
by inhibiting biosynthesis of
prostaglandins
•Lidocaine
–Positive ion
–Assists in decreasing local pain by
blocking nerve impulse transmission

25. Ionto Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
Compared to injections:
Virtually painless
Noninvasive, minimizing…
Risk of infection
Risk of tissue necrosis,
tendon rupture, etc.
Compared to oral
medications:
Localized drug delivery,
nonsystemic
Avoid risk of systemic side
effects
Disadvantages
1.Eliminates pain or
inflammation
a.Doesn't deal with the
cause of the
pain/inflammation.
2.Slight risk of electrode
burns
3.Some believe
transdermal drug delivery
is not possible.

26. Contraindications

27. Precautions

28. Current Density

29. Current Intensity

30. Treatment Time

31. Formula for Iontophoresis

32. Electrodes
•Traditional electrodes.
•Commercial electrodes.

33. Traditional electrodes

34. Commercial electrodes

35. Electrode Prepration

36. Application

37. Bibliography