Tachyphylaxis
Tachyphylaxis
Tachyphylaxis (/tækiːfɪˈlæksɪs/) is a medical term that refers to the rapid decrease in response to a drug after repeated doses over a short period of time.
Etymology
The term "tachyphylaxis" is derived from the Greek words "tachy" meaning "swift" and "phylaxis" meaning "protection". It was first used in the medical field in the early 20th century.
Definition
Tachyphylaxis is a phenomenon where the body becomes increasingly resistant to the effects of a drug or pharmaceutical agent. This can occur with a variety of drugs, including antidepressants, vasoconstrictors, nitroglycerin, and opioids. The exact mechanism of tachyphylaxis is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve changes in drug receptor sensitivity or number, or alterations in downstream signaling pathways.
Related Terms
- Desensitization: A related concept where the body's response to a substance decreases after repeated exposure.
- Tolerance: A state of adaptation in which exposure to a drug induces changes that result in a decrease of the drug's effects over time.
- Refractoriness: A state in which a cell or tissue does not respond to the administration of a drug.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tachyphylaxis
- Wikipedia's article - Tachyphylaxis
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