A method and apparatus for administering drugs through a dermal or mucosal layer such that the treatment device may be applied to the mammal for the transdermal or transmucosal administration of various drugs, pharmaceuticals, salts and prodrugs thereof is taught herein. The magnetic device has at least one magnet to provide an effective magnetic sphere of influence of the magnetic field at the desired site of action. The tissue-permeable drug formulation is positioned on the site of action and the magnetic device is positioned adjacent to tissue-permeable drug formulation wherein the magnetic sphere of influence of the magnetic field moves the drug through the dermal or mucosal layer by interaction with the magnetic moment (induced or permanent) of the drug sufficient to increase the movement of the drug beyond the movement caused by diffusion alone.