Transdermal delivery of drugs by iontophoresis: a review.

The advantages and limitations, theory, and factors in the use of electric current to deliver drugs across the skin are discussed. Application of the technique in the delivery of local anaesthetics, antibiotics/antibacterials, mydriatics, vinca alkaloids, non-electrolytes, biogenic amines, peptides, and other agents is reviewed. It is concluded that the method alone, or in combination with phonophoresis (delivery via ultrasonic perturbation), offers considerable scope in the transdermal delivery of drugs.