DRUG TOLERANCES Meaning and
Definition
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Drug tolerance refers to the reduced effect that a drug produces over time, with repeated or prolonged use, requiring higher doses to achieve the same desired effect. It is a physiological adaptation of the body to the presence of a substance, resulting in a diminished response or sensitivity to the drug.
Drug tolerance occurs due to various mechanisms. One major factor is the body's ability to increase the activity of enzymes that metabolize or break down the drug, leading to quicker elimination and decreased levels of the drug in the body. Additionally, the brain can undergo changes in receptor sensitivity or density, resulting in decreased binding of the drug and reduced effectiveness.
Developing drug tolerance can have significant implications for individuals who regularly use medications, such as painkillers, sedatives, or stimulants. As the body becomes accustomed to the drug, higher doses are needed to achieve the same level of pain relief, sedation, or stimulation. This phenomenon can lead to increased risks of overdose, as individuals may unknowingly consume lethal amounts of a drug attempting to achieve the desired effect.
Drug tolerance can also contribute to withdrawal symptoms when individuals abruptly stop using a drug or significantly reduce their dosage. Withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's expectation and need for the substance it has become tolerant to. These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe physical and psychological distress.
It is important for healthcare professionals to consider drug tolerance when prescribing medications and to closely monitor patients for signs of tolerance development. Managing drug tolerance typically involves adjusting dosage, switching to alternative drugs, or implementing other therapeutic interventions to maintain the desired effect while reducing the risks associated with higher doses of medication.
Common Misspellings for DRUG TOLERANCES
- srug tolerances
- xrug tolerances
- crug tolerances
- frug tolerances
- rrug tolerances
- erug tolerances
- deug tolerances
- ddug tolerances
- dfug tolerances
- dtug tolerances
- d5ug tolerances
- d4ug tolerances
- dryg tolerances
- drhg tolerances
- drjg tolerances
- drig tolerances
- dr8g tolerances
- dr7g tolerances
- druf tolerances
- druv tolerances
Etymology of DRUG TOLERANCES
The word "drug tolerances" is formed by combining two distinct terms: "drug" and "tolerance".
The term "drug" can be traced back to the Middle English word "drogge", which referred to a medicinal potion or substance. It has its roots in the Old French word "drogue" and the Dutch word "droge" with similar meanings. These derivatives can be traced further back to the Latin word "droga" and the Greek word "drogeion", both meaning "a dried plant" or "a dried plant for medical use".
On the other hand, "tolerance" comes from the Latin word "tolerantia", which means "endurance" or "forbearance". It originated from the verb "tolerare", which means "to bear" or "to endure".
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