What is polypharmacy?

Polypharmacy is defined as the concurrent use of multiple medications by a patient, particularly when a person is taking several different drugs to manage multiple health conditions. This practice often occurs in older adults or individuals with chronic diseases and can lead to complications such as drug interactions, increased risk of side effects, and challenges in medication management. The term highlights the potential risks associated with managing several prescriptions simultaneously, which may necessitate careful monitoring and evaluation by healthcare professionals to ensure safe and effective treatment.