Understanding Iontophoresis: The Science Behind ActivaTek’s Technology

Summary

Iontophoresis is a non-invasive method of delivering medication through the skin using a mild electrical current. This technique is particularly effective for treating localized inflammation and pain by allowing drugs to penetrate directly to the affected area. ActivaTek has harnessed this technology to create advanced, user-friendly products that provide precise and controlled drug delivery, enhancing patient outcomes while minimizing discomfort.

The Science of Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis operates on the principle of electrorepulsion, where a mild electrical current is used to drive charged drug molecules through the skin and into underlying tissues. The process involves placing a medication-soaked pad on the skin, which is then connected to an electrode of the same charge as the drug. When the current is applied, it repels the drug molecules away from the electrode and into the skin. This allows the medication to reach deeper tissues more effectively than topical applications, without the need for injections.

Key Concepts:

Electrorepulsion: The movement of charged particles, such as drug ions, away from a similarly charged electrode.
Transdermal Delivery: The process of delivering medication through the skin.
Controlled Dosing: The ability to precisely control the amount and rate of drug delivery, which is critical for effective treatment.

Technical Details: How ActivaTek Enhances Iontophoresis

Buffered pH Control

One of the challenges in iontophoresis is managing the pH shifts that occur during the process. When an electrical current is applied, it can cause hydrolysis of water in the skin, leading to the formation of hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-). These ions can cause significant changes in the pH at the site of delivery, potentially leading to irritation or altering the drug's effectiveness.

ActivaTek's Trivarion® technology incorporates a buffering system that stabilizes the pH during treatment. By using a carbon-silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) electrode system, Trivarion® maintains the pH close to the natural pH of the drug solution, ensuring that the drug remains effective throughout the treatment. This buffering system also reduces the risk of skin irritation, making the treatment safer and more comfortable.

Precision Dosing with ActivaPatch® and ActivaDose® II

The ActivaPatch® is a self-contained, wireless iontophoresis patch that uses an onboard microprocessor to monitor and adjust the treatment in real time. This intelligent system detects skin resistance, adjusts the current accordingly, and ensures that the precise dose of medication is delivered. The microprocessor also provides feedback via LED indicators, allowing both the clinician and the patient to monitor the treatment easily.

The ActivaDose® II controller, another flagship product, is designed for in-clinic use and allows for dual-channel dosing, meaning two treatments can be administered simultaneously. It features precise current control, visual and audible indicators, and automated calculations to ensure accurate and consistent drug delivery.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Iontophoresis

Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of iontophoresis in delivering medications for pain management and inflammation. Iontophoresis has been shown to be particularly effective in delivering anti-inflammatory drugs like dexamethasone, providing significant relief for conditions such as tendinitis, bursitis, and plantar fasciitis.

A study published in the Journal of Athletic Training highlights the advantages of iontophoresis in terms of drug absorption and patient outcomes. The study found that iontophoresis allows for higher concentrations of drugs in targeted areas with minimal systemic exposure, reducing the risk of side effects compared to oral or injectable routes.

Summary of the White Paper

ActivaTek’s white paper on iontophoresis technology provides a detailed comparison of different iontophoresis devices, focusing on the precision and reliability of drug delivery. The study compared ActivaTek’s ActivaPatch® and ActivaDose® II with other market-leading devices, highlighting the superior accuracy and consistency of ActivaTek products.

Key findings include:

Dosage Accuracy: ActivaTek’s devices delivered over 80% of the specified dosage with minimal variation, outperforming other devices that showed significant under-delivery of medication.
Treatment Duration Consistency: The microprocessor in the ActivaPatch® provided highly consistent treatment durations, with a standard deviation of just 2 minutes across samples, compared to much higher variability in other devices.
Safety Features: The ActivaPatch® automatically adjusts for skin impedance and shuts off once the treatment is complete, reducing the risk of over-treatment and skin irritation.

Conclusion

Iontophoresis is a proven, effective method for delivering medication through the skin, and ActivaTek’s innovations have made this technology more precise, safe, and user-friendly than ever before. By addressing common challenges such as pH shifts and treatment variability, ActivaTek’s products set the standard for iontophoresis technology, providing healthcare professionals with reliable tools to improve patient outcomes.