What is the term for the body's decreased response to nitrates over time?

Tachyphylaxis refers to the rapid decrease in the effectiveness of a drug after repeated administration over a short period. In the case of nitrates, the body can quickly become less responsive to their effects, which are primarily vasodilation and reduced myocardial oxygen demand. This phenomenon occurs commonly with nitrates used in the management of angina, where continued exposure leads to diminished therapeutic benefits.

While other terms like desensitization or dependence might imply a change in the body's response, they do not capture the specific, rapid decrease in drug efficacy characteristic of tachyphylaxis. The rebound effect typically describes a return of symptoms that can occur after discontinuation of a medication, rather than a decreased response during its use. Therefore, the term tachyphylaxis is most appropriate in describing this phenomenon related to the reduced effectiveness of nitrates over time.