Drug tolerance
Drug tolerance is a pharmacological concept describing the reduced reaction to a drug following its repeated use. Increasing its dosage may re-amplify the drug's effects, however, this may lead to a higher risk of side effects.
Pronunciation
- IPA: /drʌɡ tɔːlərəns/
Etymology
The term "drug tolerance" is derived from the Latin word "tolerantia", meaning endurance, and the Old French "drogue", which refers to a medicine or substance.
Definition
Drug tolerance is a state of adaptation in which exposure to a drug induces changes that result in a diminution of one or more of the drug's effects over time. Tolerance may occur to both the desired and undesired effects of drugs and may develop at different rates for different effects.
Types of Drug Tolerance
There are several types of drug tolerance including:
- Pharmacodynamic tolerance: This occurs when changes in neuron function compensate for continued drug presence.
- Pharmacokinetic tolerance (or metabolic tolerance): This happens when the body becomes more efficient at metabolizing the drug.
- Behavioral tolerance: This type of tolerance occurs when individuals learn to function despite being under the influence of the drug.
Related Terms
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Drug tolerance
- Wikipedia's article - Drug tolerance
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