Which medication is commonly used in phonophoresis?

Which medication is commonly used in phonophoresis?

• A. Dexamethasone.
• B. Cortisol only.
• C. Ibuprofen only.
• D. Lidocaine only.

Answer: (A)

Phonophoresis uses ultrasound to increase skin permeability so a drug can penetrate deeper into tissues to reduce inflammation. Dexamethasone fits this approach well because it’s a potent anti-inflammatory corticosteroid, and its formulation is commonly paired with ultrasound to deliver it more effectively to inflamed soft tissues. That combination—ultrasound-enhanced delivery with a corticosteroid—is why dexamethasone is the typical choice for phonophoresis. Cortisol is a natural hormone not typically prepared for this topical delivery; while ibuprofen or lidocaine can appear in some protocols, they are not the standard example used in phonophoresis.

Phonophoresis uses ultrasound to increase skin permeability so a drug can penetrate deeper into tissues to reduce inflammation. Dexamethasone fits this approach well because it’s a potent anti-inflammatory corticosteroid, and its formulation is commonly paired with ultrasound to deliver it more effectively to inflamed soft tissues. That combination—ultrasound-enhanced delivery with a corticosteroid—is why dexamethasone is the typical choice for phonophoresis. Cortisol is a natural hormone not typically prepared for this topical delivery; while ibuprofen or lidocaine can appear in some protocols, they are not the standard example used in phonophoresis.