Which of the following is a contraindication to iontophoresis?

• A. Broken or irritated skin
• B. Known allergy to the delivered drug
• C. Presence of an implanted electrical device
• D. Pregnancy is a precaution depending on drug

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that iontophoresis should not be used if the patient could have an adverse reaction to the drug being delivered. A known allergy to that drug is an absolute contraindication because the electrical delivery method would directly expose the patient to the allergen, risking a systemic allergic reaction or severe local irritation. This makes it unsafe to proceed.

Other factors may require caution but aren’t absolute blocks. Broken or irritated skin challenges safe drug delivery through the skin and can increase irritation or infection risk, so the treatment might be avoided or modified. The presence of an implanted electrical device raises concerns about potential interference or device heating and should be carefully evaluated with the device’s guidelines. Pregnancy status can influence the choice of drug, but it is considered a precaution that depends on the specific medication rather than a universal contraindication.