Drug tapering in animal research: current practices and challenges
Yatong Zhang1,2, Mengrui Chen1,2, Tongtong Jiang1,2
1Department of Pediatrics, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
Frontiers in Pharmacology
|August 29, 2025
Summary
This scoping review of drug tapering in animal studies reveals varied methods and outcomes across diverse diseases. Standardized protocols and evaluation metrics are needed for future research on drug withdrawal in animal models.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Preclinical Research
Background:
- Drug tapering protocols in animal studies are not standardized.
- Understanding current practices is crucial for improving preclinical research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and summarize drug tapering protocols in animal studies.
- To provide a reference for standardized tapering interventions in future research.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review framework was employed.
- Systematic searches were conducted across multiple databases up to May 1, 2024.
- Data on disease type, drugs, and tapering methods were extracted and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Nineteen studies were included, covering diverse conditions like respiratory issues, oncology, and pain.
- Tapering methods included dose reduction, frequency decrease, and intermittent dosing.
- Outcomes comprised discontinuation, low-dose maintenance, and substitution, with reported post-tapering effects.
Conclusions:
- Drug tapering methods are influenced by disease, duration, tolerance, and goals.
- Refinement of tapering schedules, methods, milestones, and evaluation metrics is necessary.
- Clearer definition of tapering timing is needed in animal studies.
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