Which drug is commonly delivered by iontophoresis for acute inflammatory conditions such as patellar tendonitis?

Which drug is commonly delivered by iontophoresis for acute inflammatory conditions such as patellar tendonitis?

• A. Dexamethasone
• B. Lidocaine
• C. Hydrocortisone
• D. Ibuprofen

Answer: (B)

Iontophoresis uses a small electric current to push a charged medication through the skin so it acts locally at the painful site. For acute inflammatory conditions like patellar tendonitis, the priority is quick, localized pain relief to allow movement and therapy. Lidocaine, given as lidocaine hydrochloride, is positively charged and readily delivered by iontophoresis, providing rapid, short‑term local anesthesia with minimal systemic effects. This makes it a common choice to reduce pain during rehabilitation sessions. While steroids (dexamethasone, hydrocortisone) and NSAIDs (ibuprofen) can be delivered iontophoretically for inflammation, they’re not as typically used for immediate analgesia in this acute tendonitis scenario, which is why lidocaine fits best here.

Iontophoresis uses a small electric current to push a charged medication through the skin so it acts locally at the painful site. For acute inflammatory conditions like patellar tendonitis, the priority is quick, localized pain relief to allow movement and therapy. Lidocaine, given as lidocaine hydrochloride, is positively charged and readily delivered by iontophoresis, providing rapid, short‑term local anesthesia with minimal systemic effects. This makes it a common choice to reduce pain during rehabilitation sessions. While steroids (dexamethasone, hydrocortisone) and NSAIDs (ibuprofen) can be delivered iontophoretically for inflammation, they’re not as typically used for immediate analgesia in this acute tendonitis scenario, which is why lidocaine fits best here.