Transdermal iontophoresis of hydromorphone across hairless rat skin in vitro.

The feasibility of delivering hydromorphone by transdermal iontophoresis to obtain therapeutically effective analgesic concentrations for the management of cancer-related pain was evaluated. Anodal iontophoresis was performed, and the effect of current strength, current duration, solution pH, presence of buffer ions, and drug concentration on the transdermal permeation of hydromorphone was investigated in vitro. Freshly excised full-thickness hairless rat skin and side-by-side permeation cells connected to the Phoresor II with Ag/AgCl electrodes was used.

Transdermal iontophoresis: impact on skin integrity as evaluated by various methods.

Transdermal iontophoresis, a noninvasive technique that facilitates drug transport through the skin by the use of an external electrical field, has expanded the scope of drugs that can be delivered transdermally and enables programmable drug delivery. In general, transdermal iontophoresis is considered to be a safe procedure, associated with moderate erythema and tingling sensations. However, ensuring that the skin barrier maintains its integrity during iontophoresis is an essential factor to increase its clinical applicability.

Hydromorphone in the management of cancer-related pain: an update on routes of administration and dosage forms.

Pain is experienced by a majority of cancer patients. As life expectancy has increased in developed and developing countries, cancer-related pain has become a major health concern. Despite the use of the three-step analgesic ladder proposed by the World Health Organization, pain still remains under treated.