Dictionary of Biological Psychology
drug disposition tolerance
Tolerance to a drug in which repeated exposure to the DRUG induces biological effects that reduce the amount of drug that reaches active sites, also known as METABOLIC TOLERANCE. Some drugs have the ability to induce effects that alter BIOAVAILABILITY and reduce absorption.
For example, sedatives like phenobarbital increase the rate of BIOTRANSFORMATION of the drug by increasing production of metabolizing enzymes. When the drug is repeatedly administered, progressively more enzymes are synthesized that biochemically alter the drug and enhance its rapid elimination. Thus, the biological half-life of the drug is progressively reduced. This is to be contrasted with other forms of tolerance, such as CELLULAR TOLERANCE and BEHAVIOURAL TOLERANCE.
ANN E.KELLEY
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