Drug tolerance refers to a decreased response to a drug's effects over time, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. The spelling of "drug tolerance" follows the typical English phonetic rules, with the exception of the "d" in "drug" being pronounced as a voiced dental fricative (/ð/) instead of a voiced alveolar stop (/d/). The word "tolerance" is pronounced with a primary stress on the second syllable (/ˈtɑːlərəns/), and features the typical "nce" ending pronounced as a nasal consonant followed by a voiceless alveolar fricative (/ns/).
Drug tolerance refers to the diminished response to a drug after its repeated use, meaning that higher doses of the drug are required to produce the same effect. It is a physiological phenomenon where the body becomes accustomed to the presence of the drug, leading to a reduced sensitivity or an adaptation to its effects. Drug tolerance is commonly observed with both prescription and illicit drugs.
When a drug is used repeatedly over a certain period of time, the body's response to it gradually changes, resulting in a decreased impact on the person taking it. Initially, a lower dose of the drug may produce the desired effect, but as tolerance develops, larger doses are necessary to achieve the same outcome. This can be due to various mechanisms such as changes in receptor sensitivity, increased metabolism or elimination rate of the drug, or adaptations in the central nervous system.
One significant consequence of drug tolerance is the potential for abuse and addiction. As tolerance builds, individuals may consume higher doses or more frequent administration of the drug to attain the desired effect, which can lead to dependence and addiction. Moreover, tolerance can also impact the effectiveness of medication, as higher doses may result in increased side effects or potential toxicity.
Drug tolerance is an important concept for healthcare professionals to consider when prescribing medication, as it may necessitate dose adjustments or changes in treatment plans to maintain therapeutic efficacy. Monitoring tolerance levels is crucial to ensure optimal drug management, minimize potential risks, and enhance patient safety.
The word "drug tolerance" has its origins in the combination of two different etymological sources.
First, "drug" comes from the Middle English word "drogge", which originally meant a medicinal substance obtained from plants. This term was borrowed from the Old French word "drogue", meaning a dry herb or plant, and it ultimately traces back to the Dutch word "droog", meaning "dry". Over time, the meaning of "drug" expanded to include any substance, including chemicals, that has physiological effects when introduced into the body, both therapeutic and recreational.
Second, "tolerance" comes from the Latin word "tolerantia", which means endurance or capacity to bear. This Latin term was derived from the verb "tolerare", meaning to endure or bear.