How Do You Spell TACHYPHYLAXIS?

1. Tachyphylaxis is a term used in medical and pharmacological contexts to describe a rapid decrease in the response of a tissue or system to a drug or stimulus after repeated or prolonged exposure. Derived from the Greek words "tachys" meaning fast and "phylaxis" meaning protection, the term essentially signifies the swift development of tolerance or desensitization to a particular substance.

   When tachyphylaxis occurs, the initial response to a drug or stimulus diminishes and becomes less pronounced over time. This phenomenon is typically observed when the substance in question is administered repeatedly or at high doses. Tachyphylaxis may occur due to various mechanisms, including receptor downregulation, adaptive changes in signaling pathways, metabolic tolerance, or alterations in drug metabolism and clearance rates.

   In clinical practice, tachyphylaxis is an important consideration when prescribing medications for chronic conditions or managing drug therapies. It is essential for healthcare professionals to be aware of this phenomenon to avoid treatment inefficacy or adverse effects associated with increasing drug doses. Tachyphylaxis is commonly observed with certain drugs such as beta-agonists used in the treatment of respiratory diseases, where patients may experience a reduced bronchodilatory response over time.

   Overall, tachyphylaxis refers to the diminished response to a drug or stimulus due to repeated or prolonged exposure, and its understanding is crucial in optimizing treatment strategies and outcomes.

2. Rapid production of immunity, as is exemplified by the fact, for example, that a second injection of the pressor hormone of the pituitary, a few minutes after the first, produces no further rise of blood pressure (Scbafer.).

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for TACHYPHYLAXIS

The word "tachyphylaxis" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "tachys" meaning "swift, rapid" and "phylaxis" meaning "guarding, protection".

The prefix "tachys" refers to a high speed or rapid action, while the suffix "phylaxis" typically signifies a protective or preventive action. In the context of medicine, "tachyphylaxis" specifically refers to a rapid decrease in the body's response to a drug or treatment following its initial administration. This reduction in effectiveness can occur due to various physiological mechanisms, such as receptor desensitization or depletion of neurotransmitters.

Overall, the etymology of "tachyphylaxis" conveys the idea of a swift decline in the protective or preventive effects of a substance or treatment.