Abstract: Improved methods of ionophoretic drug delivery are described. By the intentional selection of drug(s) with specific characteristics, of ionotophoresis device, components or both permits the efficiency of drug delivery is increased.

Abstract: An iontophoretic device having a two-layer active electrode element is disclosed. The active element is composed of overlapping skin contact hydrogel and carrier layers. The carrier layer contains dispersed or dissolved active agent. The active electrode element maintains the active agent in stable form and permits efficient transport of the active agent to the host. Also disclosed is an iontophoretic device having a single layer active electrode element. The single layer is a hydrogel as manufactured or substantially dry and capable of being hydrated before use. The skin contact hydrogel of the two-layer active electrode element preferably.

Abstract: An electrotransport delivery device utilizing reservoir buffering at a select pH ranges in order to reduce skin irritation and skin resistance is provided. Cathodic reservoirs are buffered to a pH of less than about 4, preferably to a pH in the range of about 2 to 4, while anodic reservoirs are buffered to a pH above about 4, preferably to a pH in the range of about 4 to 10. Another electrotransport delivery device utilizes a potassium sensor to monitor potassium efflux from the skin. Potassium efflux above a certain predetermined level has been found to be a precursor to skin irritation/erythema. Operation of the device is modified (eg, terminated) when the predetermined potassium efflux level is sensed.

Abstract: A polymeric, amphoteric hydrogel for use in medical devices and medical devices using the hydrogel. The hydrogel has a first polymer repeating unit having a acid group and a second polymer repeating unit having a base group such that the acid groups and base groups are present in the hydrogel in amounts effective to provide a hydrogel with a strong, amphoteric, nonmobile ionic structure. For example, the hydrogel can be a copolymer of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid and methacrylamido-propyl-trimethylammonium hydroxide. The hydrogel can be an adhesive used to adhere medical devices to the skin of a patient. It can be particularly useful in drug delivery applications such as in iontophoresis devices.

Abstract: Methods for conducting controlled environment electrotransport are described. The methods generally concern control of the ionic environment of the active electrode reservoir, in an electrotransport system. This control may be utilized, for example, to maintain a constant extraneous ion presence, such as pH. It may also be applied in a preferred manner to maintain selected control over the delivery rate of a target species, in time, in the presence of extraneous ions. Apparatus usable to provide for controlled environment electrotransport are also described. In general the apparatus comprises an electrotransport system including an active electrode reservoir having therein both a primary electrode arrangement and a secondary electrode arrangement, with a control arrangement for selected operation of both.

Abstract: An iontophoretic device having a two-layer active electrode element is disclosed. The active element is composed of overlapping skin contact hydrogel and carrier layers. The carrier layer contains dispersed or dissolved active agent. The active electrode element maintains the active agent in stable form and permits efficient transport of the active agent to the host. Also disclosed is an iontophoretic device having a single layer active electrode element. The single layer is a hydrogel as manufactured or substantially dry and capable of being hydrated before use. The skin contact hydrogel of the two-layer active electrode element preferably.

Abstract: Improved methods of ionophoretic drug delivery are described. By the intentional selection of drug(s) with specific characteristics, of ionotophoresis device, components or both permits the efficiency of drug delivery is increased.

Abstract: An improved iontophoresis electrode employing a current distributing member and a drug reservoir containing an ionic drug. The drug reservoir is applied to the skin of a patient, and includes a charge selective ion permeable membrane adapted to contact the skin, through which the ionic drug is delivered.

Abstract: The electrotransport drug delivery device includes a patient activity sensor which is used to selectively deliver drugs based upon a measured physical activity of the patient.

Abstract: Improved methods of ionophoretic drug delivery are described. By the intentional selection of drug(s) with specific characteristics, of ionotophoresis device, components or both permits the efficiency of drug delivery is increased.

Abstract: Methods for conducting controlled environment electrotransport are described. The methods generally concern control of the ionic environment of the active electrode reservoir, in an electrotransport system. This control may be utilized, for example, to maintain a constant extraneous ion presence, such as pH. It may also be applied in a preferred manner to maintain selected control over the delivery rate of a target species, in time, in the presence of extraneous ions. Apparatus usable to provide for controlled environment electrotransport are also described. In general the apparatus comprises an electrotransport system including an active electrode reservoir having therein both a primary electrode arrangement and a secondary electrode arrangement, with a control arrangement for selected operation of both.

Abstract: An improved iontophoresis electrode employing a current distributing member and a drug reservoir containing an ionic drug. In direct or intimate contact with the current distribution member is a salt layer or ion source layer. In direct or intimate contact with the salt layer or ion source material is a size selective (i.e., a semipermeable membrane) or a material selective for ions having a charge opposite to the charge of the ionic drug which is to be delivered (i.e., a charge selective mebmrane). The current distribution member is separated from the drug reservoir by means of the salt layer and the membrane.

Abstract: An improved iontophoresis electrode employing a current distributing member and a drug reservoir containing an ionic drug. The current distribution member is separated from the drug reservoir by means of a membrane or material selective for ions having a charge opposite to the charge of the ionic drug. The selective material is applied directly to the current distributing member.

Abstract: Improved methods of ionophoretic drug delivery are described. By the intentional selection of drug(s) with specific characteristics, of ionotophoresis device, components or both permits the efficiency of drug delivery is increased.

Abstract: Improved iontophoresis drug delivery apparatus or device wherein one or more electrochemically active components are employed or "sacrificed" so as to minimize the hydrolysis of water during drug delivery. Efficiency of drug delivery is increased and pH changes in the device or adjacent the patient's skin are minimized.

Abstract: An iontophoresis device including a control module and a disposable electrode module. The control module includes a flexible printed circuit board carrying the battery and other electrical components. The control module is so configured that by trimming it along one of several labeled lines, various current levels may be selected. Trimming the control module provides a simple method for varying the dosage of the drug delivered by the iontophoresis device and simultaneously provides an easily readable visual indicator of the dosage level.