• What are the possible mechanisms involved in the occurrence of tolerance to chronic alcohol intake?

Chronic alcohol intake may lead to tolerance and dependence. The adjustment of central never (due to exposure on the messengers) system leads to increases metabolic rates. Cross-tolerance may take place due to sedative hypnotics. Psychological and physical dependence can occur. Withdrawal symptoms may take place. Peripheral neuropathy may therefore be evident.

• What are the toxic effects of chronic alcohol consumption on the liver and hepatic metabolism?

The toxic effects in the lover are as follows: there is a consistent decline in the liver function and thus leads ro hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. The effect on the liver is worse in women compared to men. Additionally, decrease in gluconeogenesis, hypoglycaemia and fat accumulation further has a toxic effect on the liver. Increased activity of liver microsomal enzymes can also have a toxic effect. 

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

Is a brain disorder because of lack of vitamin B1 and thiamine. The symptoms are as follows: confusion, ataxia alcohol withdrawal and changes in vision. It  is treated with intravenous administration of thiamine in order to prevent permanent damage to the brain. 

• Fully explain the foetal alcohol syndrome.

It is a condition that takes place in a person whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy period. It further caused brain damage and growth problems. The alcohol taken by the mother will be in the bloodstream and thus passed on to the fetus via the umbilical cord. The symptoms are indicated as follows: small head, lack of focus, learning difficulties, problems seeing and hearing, heart defects, mood swings and etc. The symptoms vary from infant to infant and the defects cause by this syndrome is irreversible. 

• How do the pharmacokinetic interactions of acute alcohol consumption differ from that of chronic alcohol consumption?

Chronic alcohol consumption: metabolic transformation of other drugs is increased such a paracetamol (hepatotoxicity with high therapeutic doses. 

Acute alcohol use: leads to decrease metabolism of drugs examples of drugs are Phenothiazines and other sedative hypnotics. 

• Name 4 drug interactions with alcohol where the pharmacological effects of the other drugs are potentiated by alcohol.
  1. Paracetamol 
  2. Phenothiazines
  3. TAD’s and 
  4. Other sedative hypnotics