Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Concepts in Pharmacology
B3 · Variability of Drug Response
B3.iv · Tachyphylaxis, Tolerance & Dependence
Define tachyphylaxis, tolerance, addiction, dependence and idiosyncrasy.
Written examination
SAQ history
Tolerance & Tachyphylaxis
1 exam appearance
Define the terms tolerance and tachyphylaxis. (20% of marks) Describe the different mechanisms by which tolerance can develop, and give examples for each. (80% of marks)
15%
Oral examination
VIVA history
No mapped VIVA history for this objective.
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.