Which iontophoresis medication is used for calcifications and what is its polarity?

• A. Acetic Acid (-) calcifications
• B. DEX (-) inflammation
• C. Lido (+) pain
• D. Saline (-) scars

Answer: (A)

Iontophoresis relies on delivering charged medications into tissue using electrical current. The medication’s electrical charge tells you which electrode acts as the driving force. Acetic acid provides acetate ions, which are negatively charged, and these ions help dissolve calcium deposits in calcifications. To push those negative ions into the tissue, you place the negative electrode over the treatment area. That’s why acetic acid with negative polarity is used for calcifications.

The other options aren’t used for calcifications: a corticosteroid solution like dexamethasone is aimed at reducing inflammation, lidocaine is a local anesthetic for pain, and saline is typically used as a conductive medium or for general wound care—not specifically for dissolving calcified deposits.