What are the possible mechanisms involved in the development of tolerance to chronic alcohol consumption?

Microsomal ethanol oxidation (MEOS) activity increases with the chronic use of alcohol and can be induced and is partly responsible for alcohol tolerance.

What toxic effects does chronic alcohol use have on the liver and liver metabolism?

There is a decrease in gluconeogenesis that indicates hypoglycemia and fat accumulation, nutrient deficiencies also contribute to the above. There is increased activity of liver microsomal enzymes. There ʼn progressive reduction in liver function, hepatitis & cirrhosis can occur. Damage to liver function is worse in women than men.

What is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and how is it treated?

It is accompanied by neurological damage to the lower part of the brain, thalamus and hypothalamus. This syndrome can be caused by the deficiency of thiamine- Vitamin B1. The syndrome causes chronic memory disorders. Symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome are: Confusion, paralysis of facial muscles and ataxia.

Parenteral thiamine can be administered to prevent permanent brain damage.

What is fetal alcohol syndrome? Explain in full.

This is the syndrome that occurs in a mother's baby during the mother's chronic alcohol use during her pregnancy. The fetus in the uterus was constantly exposed to the alcohol. Teratogenic effects occur in this syndrome. The syndrome certainly includes features such as: mental retardation, microcephaly, growth defects, characteristic underdevelopment of the middle facial area.

How do the pharmacokinetic interactions of acute and chronic alcohol use differ?

In chronic alcohol use, metabolic transformation of other drugs increases with acute alcohol use, there is a reduced metabolism of drugs, e.g. Phenotia, TADs and others sedative-hypnotic drugs.

Name 4 drug interactions with alcohol where the pharmacological effects of the other drugs are potentiated by alcohol.

1. Hypoglycemic agents

2. Blood pressure lowering drugs

3. Paracetamol

4. Vasodilators.