Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Concepts in Pharmacology
B3 · Variability of Drug Response
B3.v · Tolerance
Describe the mechanisms of tolerance.
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
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2008B · VIVA 4
The initial information given to the candidates was - This station will explore the pharmacology related to analgesic medications. How will you classify non opioid analgesic agents? This viva explored the candidates’ knowledge in relation to the following points Classification of non opioids, mechanism of actions of non opioids Classification of opioids, mechanism of action, some aspects of their general pharmacology, contrasting fentanyl and morphine, tolerance to opioids Examination feedback: Generally candidates performed better at classifying non opioids in comparison to the opioids. There was also a lack of depth and breadth in knowledge related to opioid receptors
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.