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Pulsatile Administration

Meaning

Pulsatile administration is a therapeutic drug delivery method characterized by the intermittent, short-burst dosing of a pharmaceutical agent to mimic the natural, oscillatory release pattern of endogenous hormones. This method is employed to achieve a specific physiological response that cannot be replicated by continuous infusion or steady-state dosing. The technique is particularly critical in endocrinology for stimulating the pituitary gland, which requires the natural, rhythmic presence of hypothalamic releasing hormones for optimal function. Continuous exposure often leads to receptor desensitization and subsequent inhibition.