What type of toxicity results from long-term drug exposure?

Chronic toxicity refers to the harmful effects that result from long-term exposure to a substance, such as a drug. This type of toxicity often manifests after prolonged use, leading to gradual and cumulative adverse health effects that may not be immediately apparent. Chronic toxicity can affect various systems in the body, resulting in significant health issues over time, such as organ damage or changes in metabolic processes.

In contrast, acute toxicity occurs as a result of a single high dose or repeated doses over a short period, typically producing immediate symptoms. Immediate toxicity is characterized by symptoms that arise right after exposure to a toxic substance, while temporary toxicity implies a short-lived occurrence of effects that do not extend over a significant time period. These options do not align with the prolonged nature of the adverse effects associated with chronic toxicity. Thus, recognizing chronic toxicity as the correct answer is essential in understanding the long-term risks associated with drug exposure.