Iontophoresis device comprising at least one electrode assembly

Details Iontophoresis device comprising at least one electrode assembly Iontophoresis device comprising at least one electrode assembly

1997-03-11

1998-09-15

Bockelman, Mark

Surgery

Means for introducing or removing material from body for...

Infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, x-ray or electrical...

607115, A61N 130

Patent

active

058073051

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an iontophoresis device for the transcutaneous administration of an active principle to a subject, which device comprises at least one electrode assembly provided with a reversible composite electrode. It also relates to the said electrode assembly.
2. Description of Related Art
In the current treatment of numerous conditions, it is necessary to administer a medicament or other active principle to a subject in a controlled and often prolonged manner. Among the numerous techniques available to the formulation pharmacist, that of iontophoresis represents an advantageous alternative for controlling the administration of active principles, such as medicinal substances, into the body of the subject. One such technique comprises the use of an electric current for controlling the amount but also the rate of delivery of an active principle through the skin of a subject. In numerous cases, this technique proves to be highly effective in significantly increasing the supply of active principle due to the current, in comparison with the amount delivered without a current.
The transcutaneous administration of an active principle by iontophoresis to a subject is generally performed, starting with an aqueous solution or an aqueous gel containing the active principle in an at least partially ionized form or in a neutral form, by applying an electric signal between, on the one hand, a first electrode, called the active electrode, which has the same polarity as the ions of the active principle to be administered or a positive polarity if the active principle is neutral and which is found in contact with a reservoir element, which contains the active principle and is placed in contact with a first area of the skin of the subject, and, on the other hand, a second electrode, called the back electrode or passive electrode, of opposite polarity to that associated with the active principle, which is placed, directly or via an indifferent electrolyte, in contact with a second area of the skin of the subject which is separate from the first area. During the passage of the current, generated by application of a voltage between the electrodes, in the circuit thus produced, the ions of the active principle migrate away from the electrode of the same polarity (active electrode) through the skin and the tissues of the subject towards the electrode of opposite polarity (back electrode) and are thus found to pass into the circulatory system of the subject. Likewise, the neutral molecules of active principle are carried away from the positive electrode in the aqueous electroosmotic flux through the skin and the tissues of the subject towards the negative electrode (back electrode) and are thus also found to pass into the circulatory system of the subject.
One iontophoresis device for the transcutaneous administration of an active principle to a subject is of the type comprising a first electrode assembly composed of a first electrode, called the active electrode, in contact with an active reservoir element adapted, on the one hand, in order to contain an electrolyte holding the active principle in an at least partially ionized form or in a neutral form, and, on the other hand, in order to ensure, when it is placed in contact with an area of the skin of the subject, ionic conducting continuity between the said first electrode and the said area, a second electrode assembly composed either (i) of a second electrode, called the back electrode, or alternatively, and preferably, (ii) of such a second electrode in contact with a reservoir element arranged in order to hold an electrolyte and in order to ensure, when it is placed in contact with a portion of the skin of the subject, ionic conducting continuity between the second electrode and the said portion, and an electric signal generator which can be connected to each of the said first and second electrodes so that the first electrode has the same polarity as the ions of the active principle or a positive polarity

REFERENCES:
patent: 5320731 (1994-06-01), Muller et al.
patent: 5543098 (1996-08-01), Myers et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Iontophoresis device comprising at least one electrode assembly does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Iontophoresis device comprising at least one electrode assembly , we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Iontophoresis device comprising at least one electrode assembly will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-82674