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Conceptual Rationale for Combining Galantamine, Iontophoresis, and Black Sea Brine in Peripheral Neuropathy: A
Mariya Ivanova1, Liliya Panayotova-Ovcharova2, Detelina Nedyalkova-Petkova2
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria.
Background:
Peripheral neuropathy is a common and clinically heterogeneous neurological condition caused by metabolic, inflammatory, toxic, or traumatic factors and is associated with sensory deficits, neuropathic pain, motor impairment, and reduced functional capacity. Management remains challenging and often requires multimodal therapeutic approaches, as pharmacological monotherapy frequently provides incomplete symptom control.
Objective:
This narrative review explores the conceptual rationale for combining galantamine with iontophoresis and Black Sea brine-based therapy as a potential multimodal strategy for peripheral neuropathy management.
Main Findings:
Galantamine, a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and positive allosteric modulator of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, has demonstrated neuroprotective, neuromodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties in experimental settings. Iontophoresis may provide a non-invasive method for targeted local drug delivery while reducing systemic exposure. Black Sea brine, widely used in Bulgarian balneological and rehabilitation practice, has been associated with improved circulation, pain reduction, and neuromuscular support. The reviewed evidence suggests biologically plausible complementary mechanisms; however, no direct clinical studies evaluating the combined intervention were identified.
Limitations:
Current evidence is indirect and derived from separate investigations of galantamine, iontophoresis, and brine-based therapy, as well as heterogeneous historical and regional sources. Therefore, the proposed combination should be considered hypothesis-generating rather than evidence-established.
Conclusions:
The combination of galantamine, iontophoresis, and Black Sea brine represents a potentially interesting multimodal concept for peripheral neuropathy rehabilitation. Well-designed preclinical and clinical studies are required to determine safety, feasibility, optimal treatment parameters, and therapeutic efficacy.
