What is the Difference Between Iontophoresis and Phonophoresis?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Iontophoresis and phonophoresis are both methods used to deliver medication through the skin, but they use different techniques to achieve this:
- Iontophoresis involves the use of low-level electric current to deliver charged, ionic drugs through the skin. The drug is placed on the skin with an electrode of the same charge, allowing the electric current to drive the drug into the skin. Examples of successful applications of iontophoresis include treatment of inflammation and pain in muscles and tendons, rapid local anesthesia, relief of heel pain, and control of pain from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and plantar fasciitis.
- Phonophoresis (also known as sonophoresis) uses ultrasonic waves to transmit molecules of drug through the skin. A cream or gel containing medications such as corticosteroids, local anesthetics, or electrolytes is applied to the skin, and ultrasound is used to enhance the penetration of these drugs. Phonophoresis has been reported to be effective in treating various conditions, including osteoarthritis of the knee.
Both iontophoresis and phonophoresis are used to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, bursitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. They are also used to deliver various drugs, including local anesthetics, corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Comparative Table: Iontophoresis vs Phonophoresis
Iontophoresis and phonophoresis are both methods used to deliver drugs through the skin, but they use different techniques to achieve this. Here is a table comparing the two methods:
Method | Definition | Mechanism | Examples of Use |
---|---|---|---|
Iontophoresis | Transdermal local drug delivery using electrical current. | An electric current is passed through the skin, allowing charged ionized particles to cross the skin barrier. | - Treatment of burns, open wounds, calcium deposits, anesthesia, and various skin conditions. |
Phonophoresis | Transdermal local drug delivery using ultrasound. | Ultrasound energy is used to enhance the delivery of drugs through the skin. | - Treatment of joint inflammation, muscle spasms, and pain relief. |
Both methods are suitable alternatives to injecting drugs directly into the body and can be used for various therapeutic purposes. While iontophoresis uses electric current to introduce drugs through the skin, phonophoresis uses ultrasound to achieve the same goal.
- Iontophoresis vs Sonophoresis
- Cataphoresis vs Anaphoresis
- Ionization vs Electrolysis
- Electrophoresis vs Dielectrophoresis
- Electrophoresis vs Electroosmosis
- Photon vs Phonon
- Electrolysis vs Laser
- Electrolyte vs Electrolysis
- Ion Channel vs Ion Pump
- Chemisorption vs Physisorption
- Diffusion vs Ion Implantation
- Electrophoresis vs Chromatography
- Ionomers vs Polyelectrolytes
- Apheresis vs Dialysis
- Faradic vs Galvanic Current
- Ionization vs Dissociation
- Photocatalysis vs Electrocatalysis
- Ablation vs Coagulation
- Electroplating vs Electrolysis