Sonophoresis

Sonophoresis is a process that exponentially increases the absorption of topical compounds (medications) into cells and across the skin barrier. It is a non-invasive method of drug delivery that uses ultrasound waves to enhance the absorption of drugs. Sonophoresis is used in a variety of medical and cosmetic applications.

Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]

Sonophoresis works by using low frequency ultrasound to make the skin more permeable. The ultrasound waves cause the formation of small channels, or sonopores, in the skin, which allow for increased penetration of topical compounds. These sonopores can remain open for several hours after the ultrasound has been applied, allowing for prolonged drug delivery.

Applications[edit | edit source]

Sonophoresis has a wide range of applications in both the medical and cosmetic fields. In medicine, it is used to enhance the delivery of drugs for conditions such as pain, inflammation, and infections. In cosmetics, it is used to enhance the absorption of skin care products, such as vitamin C and retinol.

Advantages[edit | edit source]

The main advantage of sonophoresis is that it is a non-invasive method of drug delivery. This means that it does not require injections or other invasive procedures, which can be painful and carry risks of infection. Additionally, because the sonopores remain open for several hours, it allows for prolonged drug delivery, which can be beneficial for conditions that require long-term treatment.

Disadvantages[edit | edit source]

While sonophoresis has many advantages, it also has some disadvantages. One of the main disadvantages is that it can only be used for topical compounds. This means that it cannot be used for drugs that need to be delivered systemically. Additionally, the effectiveness of sonophoresis can vary depending on the individual's skin type and the specific compound being delivered.

Safety[edit | edit source]

Sonophoresis is generally considered to be a safe method of drug delivery. However, as with any medical procedure, it should be performed by a trained professional to ensure safety. Potential side effects can include skin irritation and allergic reactions to the topical compounds.

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Translate this page: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, தமிழ், తెలుగు, Urdu, ಕನ್ನಡ, Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, বাংলা
European español, Deutsch, français, Greek, português do Brasil, polski, română, русский, Nederlands, norsk, svenska, suomi, Italian
Middle Eastern & African عربى, Turkish, Persian, Hebrew, Afrikaans, isiZulu, Kiswahili,
Other Bulgarian, Hungarian, Czech, Swedish, മലയാളം, मराठी, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ, ગુજરાતી, Portuguese, Ukrainian

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.