Phonophoresis is administered via what method?

• A. Cream or lotion applied to the skin
• B. Oral pills
• C. Intravenous infusion
• D. Inhaled medication

Answer: (A)

Phonophoresis uses ultrasound to push a drug through the skin from a topical vehicle. The medication is formulated in a cream or lotion applied to the skin, and a coupling medium helps transmit the ultrasound. The ultrasound increases skin permeability, allowing the drug to reach underlying tissues more effectively than it would by topical application alone. This is a local, skin-directed delivery, unlike oral pills, intravenous infusions, or inhaled medications, which enter the body through digestion, the bloodstream, or the respiratory system, respectively.