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Iontophoresis is a non-invasive method of propelling high concentrations of a charged substance, normally medication or bioactive agents, transdermally by repulsive electromotive force using a small electrical charge approximately (0.5 mA/cm2) applied to an iontophoretic chamber containing a similarly charged active agent and its vehicle.
The objective of delivery system is to achieve optimum therapeutic management. But, it still remains a challenge in the field of pharmaceuticals for delivery of ionic species such as proteins and peptides.
Development of iontophoretic system is a breakthrough in this field designed to improve the delivery rate of ionic compounds. This technique generates an electrical potential gradient that facilitates the movement of solute ions across the membrane. Moreover with the advent of more sophisticated techniques available
for the production of recombinant proteins and peptides, there is an ever-increasing demand of novel delivery systems that could effectively deliver these ionic species at the specific site.
Iontophoresis seems to be an ideal candidate to sort out the limitations associated with the delivery of ionic drugs. In this review, efforts have been made to summarize all the aspects of iontophoretic delivery including history, types and various factors affecting the drug delivery.
Introduction
There has been a growing awareness in recent years of potential therapeutic importance of achieving true controlled drug delivery where the rate of drug output may be modulated in a precisely controlled manner1. Transdermal drug delivery has usefulness in achieving the controlled delivery of pharmaceuticals, which are relatively small in molecular size and rather lipophilic in nature, however, these systems are rather limited in their capability of achieving the transdermal systemic delivery of peptides, proteins and drugs which is often charged and highly hydrophilic in nature2. In order to deliver an ionic drug, peptide/protein molecule through transdermal delivery to attain a systemic effect, chemical and/or physical methods are required to enhance the rate of penetration of therapeutic agent through the main diffusion barrier3, 4 . The intophoratic technique is highly desirable to improve the transdermal delivery of peptide and proteins using a lower current intensity with a short time period4. The idea of applying electric current to increase the penetration of electrically charged drugs into surface tissues was probably organized by Veratti in 19475,6. Leduc did the first well-documented experiments at the beginning of the 20th century7,8. Leduc demonstrated the introduction of strychnine and cyanide ions into the rabbits when the correct polarities were applied.
Inchley also carried out similar experiments in 19219. The application of iontophoresis to the treatment of hyperhydrosis could be reduced by ion transfer of certain applied solutions by electro-phoretic technique. Today, the treatment of hyperhydrosis is the most successful and popular applications of iontophoresis in dermatological medication10. The transdermal delivery of many ionized drugs at therapeutic levels is precluded by their slow rate of diffusion under a concentration gradient alone are now application with the help of iontophoretic technique and devices11.
Iontophoresis can be defined as the process in which the flux or rate of absorption of ionic solutes into or through skin is enhanced by applying a voltage drop/electric field across the skin12, 13. Transdermal iontophoretic technique is capable of administering drugs in a pulsatile pattern by alternately applying and terminating the current input at programmed rate14. In addition, delivery rate can be controlled by the intensity of applied electric current or Electro-chemical potential gradient15. It can also be define as a means of enhancing the flux of ionic drugs across skin by the application of an electrochemical potential gradient16.
Types
Voltage drop across a membrane driving force for the flux of ions through it opens up new type of approaches to mode transport of ionic drugs across skin. Iontophoresis is usually defined as either anodal (+) in which the positive anode is placed in the solution applied to the epidermis and negative cathode is placed in the solution applied to the epidermis and negative cathode is placed in the dermal receptor solution, or cathodal (-), in which the electrode location are reserved. Anodal (+) introphoresis is facilitated by the movement of a caution from the donor to the receptor, whereas cathodal iontophoresis implies the movement of an anion from the donor to receptor17. Gangaross et.al.18 reported that the penetration of antiviral compound 5-iodo-2deoxyuridine can be increased by both anodal (+) and cathodal (-) iontophoresis. It was hypothetized that anodal (+) iontophoresis of iodourine may be due to hydrokinesis. It is known that, under the driving force of a potential gradient, manovalent cations cross the skin more easily than manovalent anions19.
Merits
01. It is a non-invasive technique could serve as a substitute for chemical enhancers20. 02. It eliminates problems like toxicity problem, adverse reaction formulation problems associated with presence of chemical enhancers in pharmaceuticals21. 03. It may permit lower quantities of drug compared to use in TDDS, this may lead to fewer side effects. 04. TDDS of many ionized drug at therapeutic levels was precluded by their slow rate of diffusion under a concentration graduation, but iontophoresis enhanced flux of ionic drugs across skin under electrical potential gradient20. 05. Iontophoresis prevent variation in the absorption of TDDS. 06. Eliminate the chance of over or under dosing by continuous delivery of drug programmed at the required therapeutic rate. 07. Provide simplified therapeutic regimen, leading to better compliance.
08. Permit a rapid termination of the modification, if needed, by simply by stopping drug input from the iontophoretic delivery system22. 09. It is important in systemic delivery of peptide/protein based pharmaceuticals, which are very potent, extremely short acting and often require delivery in a circadian pattern to simulate physiological rhythm, eg. Thyrotropin releasing hormone, somatotropine, tissue plasminogen activates, inter ferons, enkaphaline, etc23. 10. Provide predictable and extended duration of action. 11. Reduce frequency of dosage. 12. Self-administration is possible. 13. A constant current iontophoretic system automatically adjust the magnitude of the electric potential across skin which is directly proportional to rate of drug delivery and therefore, intra and inter-subject variability in drug delivery rate is substantially reduced. Thus, minimize inter and intra-patient variation24. 14. An iontophoretic system also consists of a electronic control module which would allow for time varying of free-back controlled drug delivery24. 15. Iontophoresis turned over control of local anesthesia delivery in reducing the pain of needle insertion for local anesthesia25. 16. By minimizing the side effects, lowering the complexity of treatment and removing the need for a care to action, iontophoretic delivery improve adherence to therapy for the control of hypertension26. 17. Iontophoretic delivery prevents contamination of drugs reservoir for extended period of time27.
Demerits
01. Iontophoretic delivery is limited clinically to those applications for which a brief drug delivery period is adequate28. 02. An excessive current density usually results in pain. 03. Burns are caused by electrolyte changes within the tissues. 04. The safe current density varies with the size of electrodes29.
05. The high current density and time of application would generate extreme pH, resulting in a chemical burn17. 06. This change in pH may cause the sweat duct plugging perhaps precipitate protein in the ducts, themselves or cosmetically hyperhydrate the tissue surrounding the ducts28. 07. Electric shocks may cause by high current density at the skin surface. 08. Possibility of cardiac arrest due to excessive current passing through heart. 09. Ionic form of drug in sufficient concentration is necessary for iontophoretic delivery. 10. High molecular weight 8000-12000 results in a very uncertain rate of delivery.
Physico-chemical parameters
The movement of drug ions across the skin is dependent not only the magnitude of apparent electric field, but also upon the concentration of solution, the molecular size of drug to be passed, as well as charge and valence of ion. (i) pH: The iontophoretic drug delivery rate is dependent on the ionic form of drug delivery, which is extremely effected by the pH of the system, when the skin is maintained at a negative charge by exposing the solution with pH 4 or higher, it facilitate the transdermal delivery of cationic drugs30,31. Sanderson et. al.,23 suggested that the control of pH offers advantage of polarization effects on skin and enhance the perm selectivity of skin for catecholemine drug during iontophoretic delivery. Several authors reported the pH dependent penetration enhancement of lidocaine32, thyrotropin releasing hormone33 enalaprilate34 insulin4, acetate ions35. (ii) Species variation: The vide differences in physical characteristics such as appendages per unit area, thickness and structural changes between human and laboratory rodent display a variation in penetration of drugs36,37. The average penetration of drugs is in order of rabbit > rat > guineas pig > human. Human skin is very much less permeable than other rodents but iontophoretic delivery of drug is 7-fold greater in human skin consists of greater negative charge/or greater area fraction of negative pores38. Siddique et. al.,4 observed that idiosyncrasy in hairless rats during the iontophoretic delivery of insulin.
(iii) Characteristics of Penetrants: The rate of penetration of substances through the intact skin depends on the size, charge, and configuration of molecules and relative solubility of the compound in lipid, water, in the Horney layer and on the vehicle in which the compound is presented to the skin39. The iontophoresis gives uncertain drug delivery rate for an ionic solute of molecular weight 8000 to 12,00040.For a negatively charged species, the size dependent flux enhancement neutralizes the influence of electric field. Conversely, positive charged species becomes increasingly important to effect the electric field as the size of permeant increases. Pickal37 reported that the flux enhancement ration for cations and neutral species in negative pores increases as the size of Penetrants increases. (iv)Concentration: The concentration dependent iontophoretic delivery has not been fully investigated, some of the authors reported that as the concentration of drugs viz. hydromorphones41 and acetate ions36 increase in reservoir system then permeation of drug also increases. The iontopheric delivery of insulin does not effected by the reservoir concentration at the current range of 0.2 0.8 MA42. Omalley and Oester43 showed the flux of solute was non-linearly proportional to its concentration. (v) Buffer Systems: Buffer systems also affect the permeation of drugs by iontophoresis. It is important to optimize the concentration of buffer species in the system and should be sufficiently high to maintain good buffer capacity but should not reach an extent such that the current is mostly carried by the buffer species instead of drug special which may result the low efficiency of iontophoretic permeation20.
(vi) Ionic Strength: The ionic strength of a drug delivery system is directly related to the iontophoretic permeation of drugs. Some authors reported that increasingly the ionic strength of the system decreases the permeation rate of drug20,44, and has no significant effect on penetration up to the 0.5 V45. (vii) Electrodes: The electrode materials used for iontophoretic delivery are to be harmless to the body and sufficiently flexible to apply closely to the body surface.
The most common electrodes are aluminum foil, platinum and silver/silver chloride electrodes used for iontophoretic drug delivery. A better choice of electrode is silver/silver chloride because it minimizes electrolysis of water during drug delivery.The positioning of electrodes in reservoir depends on the charge of the active drug. The distribution of drug within the skin depends on the size and position of electrodes. They are usually selected according to individuals needs. Larger electrode areas introduce the greater amounts of drug but lesser current density is tolerated to the skin in a non-linear manner. Metal electrodes touching to the skin produce burns with much lower current in composition to padded electrodes. A loose contact between the padded electrode and skin also produce burn due to uneven distribution of current. The safe current density varies with the size of electrodes46,47. (viii) Temperature: The penetration of drug through skin is affected by dual effect of both humidity and temperature1. The iontophoretic delivery follows the Arhenious equation and enhances drug permeation with temperature48.
Electrical parameters
(I) Current: The extent of charged molecules, which may penetrate through the skin, are theoretically proportional to the intensity of current and the duration of treatment for a transdermal iontophoretic delivery3,49. The relationship between the drug delivery rate (D) and current (I) follows the given question: D = It M/Zf
Where, t is the fraction of current carried by drug ions or transference number, M is the molecular weight of drug ion, Z is the molecular charge per drug ion and F is Faradays constant.Srinivasan et. al.20 suggested that increase in permeability of drug through skin may be more gradual than the increase in the current. Lelawogs et. al.15 reported the permeability rate of arginine-vassopressin was dependent not only upon the current density applied but also on the delivery mode of applied current. (ii)Voltage: The ionic flux due to an applied voltage drop across a membrane is based on the fundamental thermodynamic properties of the system. The diffusion of drug during iontophoresis follows Nerst-Plank equation. It states that the flux of the ionic drug due to applied electric filed is directly proportional to the
voltage drop and charge of the ion50. Masada et. al.,12 demonstrated ionic flux of Tetraethyl ammonium bromide (TEAB) with varying voltage drop (0.125, 0.250, 0.250, 1.000). The enhancement factor for hairless mouse skin showed good agreement up to 0.5 volts and significantly higher at 1.0 volt due to skin damage but it is up to 0.25 V. (iii)Resistance: The electrical resistance of the skin varies widely with iontophoretic drug delivery. The resistance of the skin during iontophoretic application was much lower on sweat pores, especially when they discharge sweat51. A slight fall in resistance occurs when electrode was interested in to the epidermis. (iv) Frequency/Impedance: The frequency of the applied current charges especially in man5, variability of frequency dependent impedance of human skin ranges from 10 KHzs to 100 Khzs. The impedance of the skin decreases at higher frequencies less time is available to accumulate the charge on the skin surface during an applied pulse7.The iontophoretic delivery of insulin decreases with increasing the frequency in the range of 50-2000 Hzs3 but Bagniefski and Burnett observed decrease in sodium ion flux with increase in frequency (10 Khzs)52. The theoretical relationship between impedance of skin and frequency follows this equation: 1/ZT = 1/ZR + 1/ZC (v) On/Off Ratio3: The on/off ratio of electricity effects the relative proportion of polarization and depolarization of skin, which results the efficiency of transdermal iontophoretic drug delivery. The number of on/off cycles in each second is shown as frequency. For example the on/off ration 1 : 1 at frequency 2000 Hzs (0.5 ms/cycle) provides 0.25 ms depolarization period and same time for the polarization.Liu et. al.,3 suggested that the on /off ration of 1 : 1 at 2000 Hzs yields better glucose control for iontophoretic insulin delivery than 4:1, 8:1 on/off ration. Apparently, 1:4 and 8:1 rations, results a residue polarization the skin from the previous cycle which reduce the efficiency of insulin delivery. (vi)Wave Form: The waveform also affects the iontophoretic delivery of drug. The insulin delivery was highest at sinusoidal waveform than square and triangular waveform3.
Operational parameters
(i)Duration of Application: The transport of drug delivery depends on the duration of current applied53 in iontophoretic drug delivery. The iontophoretic penetration of drug linearly increased with increasing application time15. The skin permeation of arginine vasopressin54 achieves higher plateau rate and in case of insulin delivery, 2-3 fold reduced the blood glucose levels with increase in duration of iontophoretic application. (ii)Mode of Current: Direct current (DC) iontophoretic dosing of drug inevitably develops a skin polarization potential, which reduce the efficiency of iontophoretic delivery and cause skin irritation, burning and redness.But pulsed DC dosing pattern is effective for drug transport, the same time average voltage because it faces lower skin resistance in comparison to simple DC application in flux enhancement. Lelawong et. al.15 reported that the skin permeation rate of arginine vaspressine revealed no difference in the flux enhancement by simple DC and pulsed DC technique. But, blood glucose level was markedly reduced by pulsed DC in comparison to simple Dc in insulin3 delivery at the same current density. It also maintained at much lower levels for a longer period of time.
There are many advantages to using iontophoresis in comparison to other well-known methods of drug delivery, such as injections, said Jim Smith, PT, clinic supervisor at NovaCare, a corporate physical therapy company, headquartered in King of Prussia, PA. Smith said because the electrical modality delivers medication through the skin pores, without breaking intact skin as with an injection, there is no risk of infection. He added that many people also have aversions to needles, making iontophoresis a preferred treatment option. Pendleton concurred that the electrical modality is an efficient and effective treatment. A cortisone or steroid injection for inflammation is generally given by the physician in one large dose and can cause side effects, she said. "An injection of a steroidal medication, besides getting into the bloodstream, is over and beyond what is necessary to improve the local problem," she noted. "Usually between the first 24 to 48 hours after a bolus injection of a steroid, patients often report that they feel worse and have a post-injection burning. This doesn't happen with iontophoresis." Smith said iontophoresis has a much more immediate effect in relieving pain and decreasing inflammation, while it is also an easily monitored treatment. "The good thing about iontophoresis is that the PT can start out applying small doses of medication and, over the course of treatment, re-evaluate the patient's condition as far as pain and inflammation." Treatments generally take five to 20 minutes and are done every other day for one to two weeks to allow time for the accumulation of medication in the inflamed area and evaluation of the patient's progress. Pendleton noted that working in this time frame is beneficial since it allows PTs ample opportunity to start treatments on other patients. Iontophoresis, like most other modalities, is done in conjunction with other rehabilitation activities. "This is just one of the many tools PTs will use to get their patient better," he noted. "It's not a cure-all. PTs also perform other therapy techniques such as exercises, icing and massage, in conjunction with the treatment." Smith added that iontophoresis is widely recognized by managed care and third party payers. Side effects such as a temporary reddening of the skin are minimal, he said, although some patients are electrically sensitive. "Most patients are tolerant of the treatment, although they may not like the feeling of the electrical current."
Code Description *97033 Application of modality one or more areas; Iontophoresis each 15 minutes
*Note: It is recommended to verify patients policy guidelines to insurance coverage for this procedure. Some states will allow for 99070 (miscellaneous code for supplies) Check policy in your state
Iontophoresis
The following documentation is recommended: Diagnosis that describes the patients condition(s) Documentation of how treatment is benefiting patient (improved
outcomes, functional gains, reduced medication) Other treatments that have been tried and failed A prescription specifying iontophoresis and compound written by the treating physician
1 Current Procedural Terminology 2005 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. 2 Ingenix (2004), HCPCS Level II, 2005 Expert. Salt Lake City, St. Anthony Publishing/Medicode. 3 The National Medicare allowable is determined by multiplying the physician fee schedule conversion factor [for year 2005, $37.89750 by the total non-facility RVU. 69 Fed Reg (November 15, 2004)]
or pay the reimbursement amounts stated in this document. Local carriers/payers frequently change their reimbursement policies and interpretations. Providers should contact the local carriers/payers for their current interpretation of coverage and coding policies. The key in all coding and billing to the federal government is to be truthful and not misleading and make full disclosures to the government in all attempts to seek reimbursement for a product and/or service. Documentation recommendations are only guidelines to help our customers to properly document for coverage of medically necessary treatments when using our products. The clinician must use their own judgment when documenting treatment plans assessments. Empis customer service department will handle all insurance verification for you, and our reimbursement department can answer any questions that may arise regarding coverage and coding. Empi works with almost all insurance companies, covering approximately 110 million lives. We hope the following information will assist you in getting the best outcomes and reimbursement when using the Empi product line. Empi Your Partner In Rehabilitation and Pain Management
1 Current Procedural Terminology 2005 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. 2 Ingenix (2004), HCPCS Level II, 2005 Expert. Salt Lake City, St. Anthony Publishing/Medicode. 3 The National Medicare allowable is determined by multiplying the physician fee schedule conversion
factor [for year 2005, $37.89750 by the total non-facility RVU. 69 Fed Reg (November 15, 2004)]
Conclusion
From the literature cited and the personal experiences gained during developing iontophoretic system, this system seems to be a potential alternative delivery system for charged species. Iontophoretic drug delivery has developed a new application system for dermal and transdermal delivery of drugs that is electro-phoretically self-regulated device with electronic indicator58. The controlled or feed back iontophoretic drug delivery may include the use of polymeric system
responsive to an oscillation magnetic field, temperature sensitive polymers59,60, polymers responsive to externally applied ultrasound and chemically sensitive polymers. The iontophoretic delivery of macromolecules will open the doors to non-invasive transdermal delivery of peptide-based pharmaceuticals, following the advances in recombinant DNA technology, which are the wonder drugs of tomorrow.
References
01. Kost, J., Pulled and Self-Regulated Drug Delivery. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 1990. 02. Chien, Y.M., Transdermal Controlled Systemic Medications, Marcel Dekker Inc. Publication, 1987m Chapter 2. 03. Liu, J.C., Sun, Y., Siddique, O., Chien, Y.W., Shi, Wm., Li, J., Int. J. Pharm., 1988, 44, 197. 04. Siddiqui, O., Sun, Y., Liu, J.C., Chien, Y.W., J. Pharm. Sci., 1987, 76, 341. 05. Turnell, W.J., Proc. Royl Soc. Med., 1921, 14, 41-52. 06. Singh J, Maibach HI., Dermatology. 1993; 187(4): 235-8. 07. Leduc, S., Ann. Delectrobiol., 1900, 3, 545. 08. Leduc, S., Electric Ions and their Uses in Medicine, Rebman London, 1908. 09. Inchley, O.J., Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 1921, 18, 241-256.