Abstract: A method of increasing the delivery efficiency of an agent through a body surface by electrotransport is disclosed wherein the electrotransport current is applied for durations at a higher current density values followed by durations of lower current density values wherein the higher current density applications transform the body surface to an enhanced, non-transitory agent delivery efficiency state.

Abstract: An electrotransport agent delivery device (10) for delivering a therapeutic agent through intact skin, and a method of operating same, is provided. The device applies a pulsing electrotransport current wherein current pulses have a magnitude above a critical level (Ic) at which the skin is transformed into a higher electrotransport delivery efficiency (E) state. Most preferably the length of the applied current pulses is at least 5 msec and preferably at least 10 msec.

Abstract: An electrotransport agent delivery device (10) for delivering a therapeutic agent through intact skin, and a method of operating same, is provided. The device applies a pulsing electrotransport current wherein the length of the applied current pulses is at least 5 msec and preferably at least 10 msec. Most preferably, the current pulses have a magnitude above a critical level (Ic) at which the skin is transformed into a higher electrotransport delivery efficiency (E) state.

Abstract: An electrotransport agent delivery device (10) for delivering a therapeutic agent through intact skin, and a method of operating same, is provided. The device applies a pulsing electrotransport current wherein the length of the applied current pulses is at least 5 msec and preferably at least 10 msec. Most preferably, the current pulses have a magnitude above a critical level (Ic) at which the skin is transformed into a higher electrotransport delivery efficiency (E) state.

Abstract: An electrotransport device and method of operating same provides a pulsed DC current of specified frequency and duration which transforms the skin into a higher electrotransport delivery efficiency state.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for adjusting, i.e., varying, the rate of delivery of a therapeutic agent through a body surface from an electrotransport assembly of the type which includes a predetermined, e.g., fixed, output electronic controller and a detachable therapeutic agent source. The method provides a plurality of therapeutic agent sources in which a single parameter or a series of parameters has been varied. The plurality of agent sources are supplied, one at a time, to the controller of the electrotransport assembly, so that together (i.e., source and controller) the agent delivery rate is varied.

Abstract: An electrotransport apparatus using dispersed ion exchange material (19,83) is disclosed. The ion exchange material (19,83) may be dispersed in either the donor electrode assembly (10), the counter electrode assembly (10) or both electrode assemblies. The dispersed ion exchange material (83) comprises mobile ionic species (84-2) and substantially immobile ionic species (P). The dispersed ion exchange material (83, 84-2) interacts with competitive species (86) generated during electrotransport to render those species substantially immobile (87). Electrotransport devices exhibiting reduced polarization are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrotransport apparatus using dispersed ion exchange material (19,83) is disclosed. The ion exchange material (19,83) may be dispersed in either the donor electrode assembly (10), the counter electrode assembly (10) or both electrode assemblies. The dispersed ion exchange material (83) comprises mobile ionic species (84-2) and substantially immobile ionic species (P). The dispersed ion exchange material (83, 84-2) interacts with competitive species (86) generated during electrotransport to render those species substantially immobile (87). Electrotransport devices exhibiting reduced polarization are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrotransport agent delivery device for delivering a therapeutic agent through a body surface, and a method for increasing agent delivery efficiency, is provided. The device includes a current controller which delivers a pulsating electrotransport current and peak current density I.sub.max, I.sub.max being greater than a critical current density level I.sub.c above which the body exhibits a non-transitory higher agent delivery efficiency. Methods for increasing electrotransport delivery efficiency (E) of an agent through a body surface by creation of a higher agent delivery efficiency state are also provided.

Abstract: An electrotransport apparatus using dispersed ion exchange material (19,93) is disclosed. The ion exchange material (19,93) may be dispersed in either the donor electrode assembly (10), the counter electrode assembly (10) or both electrode assemblies. The dispersed ion exchange material (93) comprises mobile ionic species (C2) and substantially immobile ionic species (P). The dispersed ion exchange material (93) is consumed during electrotransport of drug or agent (A) in an electrotransport process in which substantially no species which compete with the drug or agent for electrotransport are generated. Electrotransport devices exhibiting reduced polarization are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for delivering therapeutic agents by iontophoresis with reduced or mitigated sensation are disclosed. The methods generally involve the step of delivering therapeutic agent by iontophoresis in the presence of an intentionally added sensation reducing amount of a multivalent ion. Preferred multivalent ions useful to mitigate sensation are calcium, magnesium, phosphate and zinc.

Abstract: Methods for delivering therapeutic agents by iontophoresis with reduced or mitigated sensation are disclosed. The methods generally involve the step of delivering therapeutic agent by iontophoresis in the presence of an intentionally added sensation reducing amount of a multivalent ion. Preferred multivalent ions useful to mitigate sensation are calcium, magnesium, phosphate and zinc.