Iontophoresis Patches - Iontophoresis Electrodes, Machines & Delivery Devices

Iontophoresis is a non-invasive and pain-free method for delivering drugs through the skin and is used by medical professionals as an alternative to injections. This method delivers the drugs via electrode iontophoresis patches that contour to most anatomical treatment areas and a controller and delivery device that can only be purchased by licensed healthcare professionals.

Positively charged water-soluble medication is applied on a positively charged iontophoresis patch and negatively charged medication on a negatively charged electrode, following the principle that opposite charges attract each other, while like charges repel each other. This way, the medicine ions will be repelled by the electrode and forced through the patient's skin barrier, easily delivering the drugs right into the affected area, without any pain.

While it is a popular way to treat excessive sweating, when it comes to physical therapy, electrode iontophoresis is mostly used to reduce pain and decrease inflammation associated with tennis elbow, rotator cuff tendinitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and plantar fasciitis. It is used with dexamethasone to control inflammation, sodium chloride to treat scar tissue, and calcium chloride or magnesium sulfate to decrease muscle spasms. Iontophoresis patches should not be used by pregnant women or persons having cardiac arrhythmia, pacemakers, or skin rashes and diseases.

Transdermal medication delivery via iontophoresis has proven efficient in pain management while employing smaller doses of medication than other ways of administration would require. This not only offers relief without any procedural discomfort but also decreases the chance of adverse side effects.

Iontophoresis is very safe and does not hurt. The only sensation the patient can expect is a mild tingling while the electrical current delivers the medication. Although it is not painful, the skin where the patch is applied can become red, especially for patches that have to be kept on for up to 24 hours. This redness should cause no concern, but rashes or skin breakdowns must be reported to therapists.

In a clinical setting, the physical therapist determines the medication to be delivered via iontophoresis and places it on a special clinical patch. The skin covering the target area needs to be cleaned before applying the iontophoresis patch. Once everything is in place, a low electrical current is applied for about 3 minutes to break the resistance of the skin. The patch remains attached for the next 8 to 24 hours, according to the therapist's recommendation.

The take-home form of iontophoresis is even more convenient as it has a built-in battery that does not require any clinician to apply current with an iontophoresis machine. To use this convenient IontoPatch® at home, you must first prepare the skin by trimming the hair, cleaning the area with soap and water, and drying it thoroughly. Make sure you do not use alcohol wipes before applying such iontophoresis patches. There are cases where the manufacturer recommends it, but IontoPatch® is not one of them.

The next step is filling the electrode with the prescribed medication and the opposite electrode with about 1 ml of saline solution, starting at the center of the pad. Remove the backing of the iontophoresis patch and place it with the medication electrode directly over the painful site. Secure the edges of the patch without pressing on the center of the electrodes. Keep it on as the drugs will be slowly and continuously delivered over the next several hours.

Scriphessco.com offers iontophoresis machines and electrode accessories for professionals, as well as several types, shapes, and sizes of iontophoresis patches for home use. Don't miss out on the Norco™ buffered iontophoresis delivery kit which contains 12 individual treatment sessions made of hypoallergenic materials. They are comfortable and can be used with most powered delivery devices.