The method of iontophoresis was described by Pivati in 1747.Galvani and Volta, two well-known scientists working in the 18th century, combined the knowledge that electricity can move different metal ions, and that movements of ions produce electricity. The method of administrating pharmacological drugs by iontophoresis became popular at the beginning of the 20th century due to the work of Leduc (1900) who introduce the word iontotherapy and formulated the laws for this process.
Iontophoresis is defined as the introduction by means of a direct electrical current, of ions of soluble salts into the tissues of the body for therapeutic purposes. It is a technique used to enhance the absorption of drugs across biological tissues, such as the skin. Another method for drug delivery through the skin, called phonophoresis, uses ultrasound instead of an electric current. Both these techniques are complicated because of other processes that occur simultaneously with the delivery of the drug. With the present knowledge about these processes, it is easier to select and prepare appropriate drugs and vehicles for iontophoresis than for phonophoresis.
In clinical practice, iontophoresis devices are used primarily for the treatment of inflammatory conditions in skin, muscles, tendons and joints, such as in temperomandibular joint dysfunctions. More recently, iontophoresis has been used in combination with laser Doppler technology as a diagnostic tool in diseases comprising the vascular bed.
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