Transdermal administration offers an interesting alternative to oral and
parenteral drug administration; nevertheless, skin is an important barrier for drug
absorption. Iontophoresis, a technique that consist of the application of low current
density across a membrane can facilitate drug entrance through it. Iontophoresis can be
used for local effects on skin, nail, eye or ear and it can also be used for systemic
delivery when applied through skin. In this chapter, the mechanisms involved in drug
transport during iontophoresis application and factors affecting its efficacy are
reviewed. Examples of the use of iontophoresis in different fields are presented
together with the most recent research.
Keywords: Ear permeation, Electric current treatment, Electromotive drug
delivery, Eye permeation, Iontophoresis, Iontophoretic devices, Low current
treatment, Nail permeation, Physical permeation enhancement, Transdermal
absorption.