Which medication is commonly used with ultrasound to enhance diffusion?

Which medication is commonly used with ultrasound to enhance diffusion?

• A. Corticosteroids
• B. Antibiotics
• C. Analgesics
• D. Antihistamines

Answer: (A)

Phonophoresis is the concept behind using ultrasound to push a medication through the skin. Ultrasound increases tissue permeability through both heating and non-thermal effects like cavitation and microstreaming, which helps molecules diffuse more readily into underlying tissues. Corticosteroids are the medication most commonly used in this approach because they are anti-inflammatory and, when formulated for topical use, are relatively lipid-soluble. The ultrasound helps these corticosteroids penetrate the skin to reach inflamed areas, providing targeted relief with less systemic exposure. While other drugs can be delivered this way, corticosteroids are the standard for enhancing diffusion with ultrasound, making them the best answer.

Phonophoresis is the concept behind using ultrasound to push a medication through the skin. Ultrasound increases tissue permeability through both heating and non-thermal effects like cavitation and microstreaming, which helps molecules diffuse more readily into underlying tissues. Corticosteroids are the medication most commonly used in this approach because they are anti-inflammatory and, when formulated for topical use, are relatively lipid-soluble. The ultrasound helps these corticosteroids penetrate the skin to reach inflamed areas, providing targeted relief with less systemic exposure. While other drugs can be delivered this way, corticosteroids are the standard for enhancing diffusion with ultrasound, making them the best answer.