Which term describes the general phenomenon where repeated drug use leads to an altered physiological state, requiring larger doses to achieve the same effect?

Which term describes the general phenomenon where repeated drug use leads to an altered physiological state, requiring larger doses to achieve the same effect?

• A. Pharmacodynamic tolerance
• B. Cross-tolerance
• C. Tolerance
• D. Metabolic tolerance

Answer: (C)

Repeated drug use leads the body to adapt, so the same dose produces a smaller effect over time. This diminishing response is called tolerance. As the body adjusts, you may need higher doses to achieve the same level of effect. Tolerance can involve different mechanisms, such as changes at receptors and signaling (pharmacodynamic tolerance) or faster drug metabolism (metabolic tolerance). There’s also cross-tolerance, where tolerance to one drug reduces response to related drugs. But the general term that describes needing larger doses after repeated use is tolerance.

Repeated drug use leads the body to adapt, so the same dose produces a smaller effect over time. This diminishing response is called tolerance. As the body adjusts, you may need higher doses to achieve the same level of effect. Tolerance can involve different mechanisms, such as changes at receptors and signaling (pharmacodynamic tolerance) or faster drug metabolism (metabolic tolerance). There’s also cross-tolerance, where tolerance to one drug reduces response to related drugs. But the general term that describes needing larger doses after repeated use is tolerance.